Scientific Sessions

Catalytic materials play a crucial role in accelerating chemical reactions by lowering activation energy without being consumed in the process. These materials are broadly categorized into homogeneous, heterogeneous, and enzymatic catalysts, each offering unique advantages depending on the reaction type and environment. Metal catalysts such as platinum, palladium, and nickel are widely used in industrial processes, while metal oxides, zeolites, and nanostructured materials provide high surface area and tunable active sites for efficient catalysis. The development of nano-catalysts and supported catalysts has further enhanced activity, selectivity, and stability, making them vital for applications in energy conversion, green chemistry, and environmental remediation.

The mechanisms of catalysis involve the adsorption of reactants on active sites, transformation through intermediate species, and subsequent desorption of products, allowing the catalyst to regenerate. Understanding these mechanisms at the molecular level helps in designing more effective catalysts with improved efficiency. Advanced techniques such as in-situ spectroscopy, computational modeling, and surface analysis provide insights into reaction pathways and kinetics. Emerging fields like photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and biocatalysis integrate principles of physics, chemistry, and biology to develop sustainable catalytic systems. Overall, the study of catalytic materials and mechanisms is central to innovation in chemical engineering, environmental protection, and renewable energy technologies.