On choosing the most appropriate catalysts for the conversion of carbon dioxide to fuels and other commodities, and on the environmentally benign processing of renewable and nonrenewable feedstocks

Abstract

Until recently the drive to discover and utilize renewable feedstocksfor the production of energy and for the manufacture of materials wasexceptionally strong. Now, however, because of the realisation thatnonrenewable (e.g. gas and oil) reserves are still superabundant, adifferent emphasis is appearing. This involves utilizing bothnonrenewable and renewable feedstocks in an environmentally responsiblemanner. One important recent development involves the drive to utilizefeedstocks, such as pyrolysis oil, microalgae and general bio-waste,like sawdust and other nonedible products from lignocellulose. Anotheris the aim to ensure that CO2 can be converted to fuels or usefulmaterials, thereby diminishing its concentration in the atmosphere. Thispaper focuses on these themes; but it also addresses other importantspecific questions. Among these, the following are of particularinterest: (i) How may catalytic cracking be made more environmentallyacceptable? (ii) The emergence of single atom catalysts as means ofeffecting important chemical reactions.