Heterogeneous catalysis for the environment

Abstract

Anthropogenic climate and environmental changes increasingly threaten the sustainability of life on Earth, hindering the sustainable development of human societies. These detrimental ecological changes are driven by human activities that have elevated atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases and toxic substances, increased inorganic and organic pollutants in water bodies, and led to the accumulation of solid waste in soils. Over the next two to three decades, the impacts of climate change, water pollution, and soil contamination are expected to intensify, posing increasing risks to human health and global stability. Considering these trends, it is essential to implement robust mitigation and adaptation strategies. This paper analyzes environmental pollution problems from the perspectives of atmospheric, water, and soil contamination. It summarizes current research on heterogeneous catalysis for treating pollutants in gaseous, liquid, and solid phases, with an emphasis on the key challenges of applying these catalytic conversion technologies in cost-effective industrial settings. Finally, strategies for mitigating environmental pollutants via heterogeneous catalysis are discussed from the perspectives of material flow, energy flow, and data flow. This paper aims to offer scientific insights to enhance future research and practice in heterogeneous catalysis for environmental remediation.