Name; Eesha Nasir

Registration Number; FA24-R06-009

Assignment ; 02
Course Code; CHM-775
Course Title; Catalytic Chemistry
Topic ; Catalysis in environmental applications
Submission Date; 30-04-25
Submitted to ; Dr khizer hussain

INTRODUCTION:
Catalysis plays a crucial role in environmental applications by enabling cleaner and more
energy-efficient processes. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction
without being consumed in the process. In environmental contexts, catalysis is widely used to
minimize pollution, enhance waste treatment, and support sustainable development.

One of the most prominent uses of catalysis is in controlling air pollution, such as through
catalytic converters in automobiles, which reduce harmful emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx),
carbon monoxide (CO), and unburned hydrocarbons by converting them into less harmful
substances like nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water. In industrial settings, catalytic processes are
employed to treat exhaust gases, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and detoxify hazardous
waste. Photocatalysis, a light-driven catalytic process, is also increasingly used for water and air
purification, degrading organic pollutants.

TYPES OF CATALYST;

ENZYME CATALYST;

Enzyme catalysts are biological molecules that speed up chemical reactions in living

organisms. These enzymes can be derived from various sources, including microorganisms,
plants, and animals. Enzyme catalysts play a vital role in environmental applications, offering
efficient solutions for pollutant removal, waste management, and sustainable development.

Mechanism of Enzyme Catalysis

Enzyme-substrate binding: The enzyme binds to the substrate at its active site, positioning it for
optimal reaction conditions. Catalysis and product release: The enzyme facilitatesthe chemical
reaction, lowering the activation energy, and releases the product(s) after the reaction

Enzyme catalyst in environmental applications

Bioremediation;Bioremediation is the use of living organisms or their enzymes to degrade or

transform pollutants into less toxic substances. Enzymes catalyze specific reactions that break
down pollutants,such as: Pesticides , Heavy metals, Industrial waste, Organic pollutants

Examples: Laccase-mediated degradation of PAHs: Laccases can break down PAHs, which are
carcinogenic pollutants found in fossil fuels and industrial waste. Peroxidase-mediated
degradation of phenol: Peroxidases can degrade phenol, a toxic pollutant found in industrial
wastewater. Hydrolase-mediated degradation of organophosphate pesticides: Hydrolases can
break down organophosphate pesticides, which are commonly used in agriculture.

Wastewater treatment

Enzymes play a crucial role in wastewater treatment by breaking down organic pollutants, such
as industrial waste, pesticides, and phenols, into less toxic compounds. They offer a sustainable
and efficient solution for removing pollutants, improving water quality, and reducing
environmental impact. Enzymes like laccases, peroxidases, lipases, and proteases can be used to
degrade specific pollutants, making them a valuable tool in wastewater treatment processes.

Pollution monitoring

Enzymes can be used as biosensors to detect pollutants in the environment, allowing for early
warning systems and more effective monitoring.

Examples Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) AChE is inhibited by organophosphate pesticides,

allowing for detection. The decrease in AChE activity is directly proportional to the
concentration of pesticides. AChE-based biosensors can provide early warning of pesticide
[Link] catalyze the oxidation of phenolic compounds, such as
BPA. The oxidation reaction produces a detectable signal, allowing for quantification of
[Link]-based biosensors can be used to monitor water and air quality for phenolic
compounds.

Noble Metal Catalysts Enviromental Applications

Platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), and gold (Au)

Platinum: 1. platinum is in automotive catalytic converters, where it helps reduce harmful gases
from vehicle exhaust. Platinum facilitates the oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned
hydrocarbons into less harmful carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water. It also aids in the reduction of
nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) to nitrogen gas (N₂), especially during cold- start conditions when
pollutants spike.

2. It is important in the oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Supported platinum

catalysts are used in air purification systems and industrial flue gas treatment to completely
oxidize organic vapors like toluene and benzene, thereby preventing their release into the
atmosphere.

3. In advanced water treatment technologies. Studies show that Pt catalysts can oxidize persistent
organic pollutants such as aldehydes into harmless acids using dissolved oxygen, without the
need for added chemicals. This makes Pt valuable in wastewater reclamation and reuse.

4. platinum is a key catalyst in hydrogen fuel cells, particularly polymer electrolyte membrane
(PEM) fuel cells. It catalyzes both the oxidation of hydrogen at the anode and the reduction of
oxygen at the cathode, making clean energy production possible with water as the only
byproduct.

Palladium (Pd)

1. It is used in catalytic converters to convert carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into

2. CO₂ and water. In fact, many modern vehicles use more palladium than platinum due to
its relatively lower cost and comparable performance. It works synergistically with
rhodium to reduce NOₓ emissions effectively.
 3. 3. Palladium is used in catalytic reduction and dechlorination. Pd catalysts can convert
harmful chlorinated solvents and nitrates in water into less toxic or benign compounds.
For example, Pd membranes can reduce nitrate to ammonia and break down chlorinated
hydrocarbons, making them useful in remediating contaminated groundwater and
wastewater.
4. 3. Palladium is also used in VOC oxidation and indoor air purification, where it helps
break down harmful organic compounds into CO₂ and water, improving air quality.
5. 4. Palladium-based membranes are used to purify hydrogen gas, removing impurities
such as CO and CO₂. This has environmental relevance in fuel cell technologies and

hydrogen-based energy systems.

Rhodium (Rh); 1. Rhodium is mostly used in reducing nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) in automotive
catalytic converters. It is the most effective catalyst for converting NO and NO₂ into nitrogen
gas (N₂), a non-toxic and abundant component of air. Even in low-oxygen environments, such as
cold-starts or fuel-lean combustion, rhodium remains highly active, making it essential for
meeting strict air quality standards.

2. Rhodium is also employed in industrial emission control systems, including flue- gas cleaning
from incinerators and power plants. When combined with platinum and palladium, rhodium
enhances the conversion of NOₓ in high-temperature environments.

3. It is also used in catalytic ozone decomposition and emerging photocatalytic systems aimed at
detoxifying air and water.

Gold (Au)

1. gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have emerged as remarkably efficient catalysts, particularly at the
nanoscale. One of their most significant environmental uses is in the low-temperature oxidation
of carbon monoxide (CO). Gold supported on metal oxides like TiO₂ or Fe₂O₃ shows high
catalytic activity, especially in indoor air purifiers and portable emission control systems.

2. Gold catalysts are also applied in VOC removal and formaldehyde oxidation,essential for
improving air quality in residential and commercial spaces. Their stability and selectivity make
them suitable for long-term environmental remediation tasks.

3. In water treatment, gold nanoparticles are used in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to
degrade pollutants like phenols and pharmaceuticals.

4. Gold-based photocatalysts are being explored for their ability to drive degradation reactions
under visible light.

5. Gold’s biocompatibility and low toxicity also make it perfect for green synthesis

methods in water purification, where safety and recyclability is necessary.

B-TRANSITION METAL CATALYST:

Research in this area includes the work by Qiang Ma et al., who reviewed the current
advancements in transition metal catalysts for atmospheric heavy metal removal, highlighting the
potential of nanostructured transition metals and MOFs in pollution remediation.

APPLICATIONS:. Atmospheric Heavy Metal Removal: Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn have
shown excellent affinity for capturing toxic heavy metal species. These catalysts can be designed
to target specific heavy metals, making them highly effective in pollution abatement. . Selective
Capture and Reduction: Transition metals can facilitate specific binding with heavy metal
contaminants (like lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium and arsenic) allowing for efficient
removal and reduction of pollutants. Photocatalytic Degradation: Metal-organic frameworks
(MOFs) constructed from metal ions that can degrade heavy metals under solar irradiation, and it
also involve in the reaction related to energy production

DISADVANTAGES: Environmental Compatibility: The potential environmental impact of

transition metal catalysts themselves is a concern, highlighting the need for environmentally
friendly designs because some metal transition catalyst are toxic to human and wildlife, if the
waste containing transition metal catalyst not properly manage.

FUTURE CHALLENGES:. Advancements in Computational Materials Science: it play a

crucial role in designing transition metal catalysts with enhanced stability and environmental
compatibility. Green Chemistry and Nanotechnology: The convergence of green chemistry and
nanotechnology will lead to the development of sustainable and efficient transition metal
catalysts for environmental applications.

C-METAL OXIDE CATALYST:Metal oxide catalysts has various applications in the

environmental field, particularly in gas sensing and detection.

APPLICATIONS:Environmental Monitoring: Metal oxide sensors can detect gases like H2,
COx, SOx, NOx, and CH4, which are major contributors to environmental pollution and climate
[Link] Quality Monitoring: These sensors can be used to monitor air quality in real-time that
help in preventing the air [Link] Emissions Detection: Metal oxide sensors can
detect emissions from industrial sources, the detection data can be used to alert authorities,
industries, or individuals about potential environmental hazards. By detecting pollution, metal
oxide sensors will help to protect public health and reduce the economic burden of pollution-
related [Link] IT’S WORK? When a gas molecule comes into contact with the metal
oxide surface it adsorbs onto the surface. The adsorbed gas molecule can transfer charge to or
from the metal oxide, changing its electrical properties which causes change in the resistance of
the metal oxide that change sends signal to a microcontroller or computer. The sensor signal is
processed and analyzed to determine the gas concentration. If the gas concentration exceeds a
certain limit, the system trigger an alert. These catalytic sensors can detect gases even at very
low concentrations.

DISDVANTAGE:
. Low Selectivity: Metal oxide sensors can struggle to distinguish between different gases, which
can lead to false readings. .High Operating Temperatures: Many metal oxide sensors require high
temperatures to operate effectively, which can increase energy consumption and reduce sensor
lifespan. Nonlinear Responses: Metal oxide sensors can exhibit nonlinear responses to different
gas concentrations, making it challenging to accurately quantify gas levels.

FUTURE CHALENGES: Room Temperature Operation: Researchers are working on

developing metal oxide sensors that can operate effectively at room temperature, reducing
energy consumption and increasing sensor stability. Improved Selectivity: Advances in materials
science and sensor design are expected to improve the selectivity of metal oxide sensors,
enabling more accurate gas detection.. Integration with Modern Technologies: Metal oxide
sensors are likely to be integrated with modern technologies like drones, enabling real-time
monitoring and rapid response to environmental pollution.

Catalyst: Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂)

Environmental Application: Photocatalytic degradation of pollutants — TiO₂ is used to break

down harmful organic pollutants in wastewater and air when exposed to UV light.

Mechanism: Step-by-Step Process1. Activation of Catalyst (Excitation Step)

 TiO₂ absorbs UV light (wavelength < 387 nm).

 Electrons are excited from the valence band to the conduction band, creating an electron-hole
pair.

Reaction: TiO2+hν→e− + h+

where:

 e− = electron in conduction band

 h+ = hole in valence band

 hν= UV light energy

2. Formation of Reactive Species

⁻The electron reacts with oxygen (O₂) to form superoxide anion (O₂⁻).

 The hole reacts with water (H₂O) to form hydroxyl radical (•OH).

Reactions: e−+O2→O2

h+ +H2O → ⋅OH+ H+
3. Degradation of Pollutants

⁻The •OH radicals and O₂⁻attack organic pollutants (denoted as "R").

 This results in the complete breakdown of pollutants into harmless end-products

like CO₂ and H₂O.

Reaction:

R+⋅OH/O2−→CO2+H2O+other simple moleculesR

Example: Degradation of a dye pollutant (like methylene blue)

Simplified Reaction:

Methylene Blue+TiO2+hν→CO2+H2O+Mineral acids

Specific Application Example:

✅ Wastewater Treatment Plants;TiO₂-coated reactors are used to treat industrial wastewater

contaminated with dyes, pesticides, and other organic pollutants. The process is energy-efficient,
uses sunlight or UV lamps, and does not require harsh chemicals.

Example: Photocatalytic reactors in textile industries to treat colored wastewater!

Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions of TiO₂ CatalysisApplications of TiO₂ in

Environmental Field:

[Link] Treatment

Degradation of organic pollutants (dyes, pesticides, pharmaceuticals) in [Link]

by killing bacteria and viruses using photocatalysis.

2. Air Purification;Removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and

benzene. Decomposition of harmful gases like NOx (nitrogen oxides) from industrial and vehicle
emissions.

3. Self-Cleaning Surfaces;Coatings on building materials, glass, and textiles that break down dirt
and organic matter using [Link]: Self-cleaning windows (like Pilkington Activ™
glass).

4. Antimicrobial Coatings

Used in hospitals and public places for antimicrobial surfaces that can kill bacteria upon
exposure to light.
5. Energy Applications;Photocatalytic water splitting to produce hydrogen (H₂) as a clean
fuel(future goal).

Challenges in TiO₂ Catalysis:

1. Limited Activation by UV Light Only TiO₂ mainly absorbs UV light, which is only about 5%
of sunlight. Poor efficiency under visible light (which is 45% of sunlight).

2. Fast Recombination of Electron-Hole Pairs;The excited electrons and holes can quickly
recombine without reacting, reducing efficiency.

3. Low Surface Area ; Bulk TiO₂ has a low surface area, limiting the number of active sites for
reactions.

CONCLUSION;In conclusion, catalysis is a vital tool in addressing environmental challenges by

enabling more efficient, cleaner, and sustainable chemical processes. Its applications—from reducing
vehicle emissions to purifying air and water—demonstrate its critical role in minimizing pollution and
conserving natural resources. As environmental concerns continue to grow, the development and
implementation of advanced catalytic technologies will remain central to achieving long-term
environmental sustainability and supporting global efforts toward a greener future.