Catalyst

1. Main Applications

Petrochemical Industry:

Used in cracking, reforming, hydrogenation, and other reactions (e.g., petroleum refining, ethylene production).

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts for converting heavy oils into lighter fuels.

Chemical Synthesis:

Accelerates ammonia synthesis (Haber process), methanol production, and polymerization (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene).

Acid/base catalysts for esterification or alkylation reactions.

Environmental Protection:

Automotive catalytic converters (three-way catalysts) to reduce NOx, CO, and hydrocarbon emissions.

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts for NOx removal in industrial exhaust.

Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology:

Enzymatic catalysts for drug synthesis (e.g., antibiotics) or biocatalysis.

Homogeneous catalysts for asymmetric synthesis.

Energy Sector:

Fuel cell catalysts (e.g., platinum-based catalysts for oxygen reduction).

Photocatalysts for water splitting (hydrogen production) or CO2 reduction.

2. Operation Precautions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Wear gloves, safety goggles, and respirators (for powdered catalysts to avoid inhalation).

Use anti-static clothing for catalysts sensitive to ignition (e.g., nickel-based catalysts).

Contamination Control:

Maintain a clean workspace to prevent exposure to moisture, sulfur, or poisons (e.g., for precious metal catalysts).

Use dedicated tools to avoid cross-contamination between catalyst batches.

Reaction Conditions:

Strictly control temperature, pressure, and feed rates (e.g., overheating may cause sintering or deactivation).

Avoid thermal shocks (sudden temperature changes can fracture catalyst supports).

Hazard Management:

Pyrophoric catalysts (e.g., Raney nickel) require inert atmospheres during handling.

Toxic catalysts (e.g., vanadium pentoxide) need closed systems and fume hoods.

Waste Handling:

Deactivated catalysts containing heavy metals (e.g., Pt, Pd) must be treated as hazardous waste.

Follow local regulations for disposal or recycling.

3. Storage Precautions

Environmental Conditions:

Store in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

Moisture-sensitive catalysts (e.g., zeolites) require desiccants or inert gas (N2/Ar) purging.

Packaging:

Use airtight containers (e.g., glass bottles, sealed bags) to prevent oxidation or moisture absorption.

Label containers clearly with catalyst type, hazard warnings, and expiration dates.

Segregation:

Separate from incompatible substances (e.g., acids, oxidizers, or reducing agents).

Store noble metal catalysts (e.g., Pt/C) in secure areas to prevent theft.

Stability Monitoring:

Check periodically for physical changes (e.g., caking, discoloration) indicating degradation.

Reactivate moisture-exposed catalysts (e.g., molecular sieves) via calcination if applicable.