Progress in Catalysis for Reduction of Lean NOx and Biogas Emissions

Other conference contribution, 2015

Catalysis is a prerequisite for all living species by enabling the metabolism in humans and animals, and the photosynthesis in plants. In the modern society, the vast majority of the chemicals, fertilizers and fuels we use are produced by catalytic processes. Furthermore, catalysis plays a decisive role in improving the urban air quality by efficiently reducing emissions from stationary and mobile sources. One of the most important drivers for this successful development has been the introduction of the three-way catalyst in the 1980’s. Modern three-way catalysts are highly efficient in reducing emissions from engines operating under stoichiometric conditions. However, new requirements especially on fuel-economy combined with even more stringent emission standards set new challenging demands on after-treatment systems for automotives. In this connection, new catalysts and new catalyst-based after-treatment technologies for fuel-efficient engines have to be developed. This lecture will give a general background to catalysis and examples of how new catalysts and new catalyst-based techniques can be used to sustainably produce chemicals and biofuels, and for emission control with focus paid on reduction of emissions from combustion of present and alternative fuels within the transport sector.