Journal of Thermodynamics & Catalysis
Open Access

Oxidation Catalysis in the Removal of Volatile Organic Contaminants

Claudio Cameselle^{* *}Correspondence: Claudio Cameselle, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain, Email:

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Description

Oxidation catalysis is a process that involves the use of a catalyst to speed up oxidation reactions. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electrons from one molecule to another, resulting in the formation of a new molecule. The oxidation process is essential in many industrial processes, including the production of fuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

Catalysts are substances that can speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. In oxidation catalysis, the catalyst facilitates the transfer of electrons from the reactant molecule to the oxidizing agent, which results in the oxidation of the reactant. Catalysts can either be homogeneous, where the catalyst and reactant are in the same phase, or heterogeneous, where the catalyst is in a different phase than the reactant.

Heterogeneous catalysts are commonly used in oxidation catalysis because they are more efficient and can be easily separated from the reaction mixture. Heterogeneous catalysts are often supported on a solid material, such as alumina, silica, or zeolites, to increase their surface area and improve their activity.

Oxidation catalysis is used in a wide range of industrial processes, including the production of chemicals such as acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and methanol. One of the most widely used oxidation catalysts is platinum, which is used in the production of nitric acid, a key ingredient in the production of fertilizers and explosives. Oxidation catalysis is also used in environmental applications, such as the removal of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from industrial waste gases. VOCs are a major contributor to air pollution and can have negative impacts on human health and the environment. Oxidation catalysis can be used to convert VOCs into less harmful compounds, such as carbon dioxide and water.

One of the challenges of oxidation catalysis is the development of catalysts that are selective and efficient. Selectivity is important because it determines the type of products that are formed during the reaction. Efficient catalysts are important because they can reduce the amount of energy and resources required for the reaction. Researchers are actively developing new catalysts to improve the efficiency and selectivity of oxidation catalysis. One approach is to develop catalysts that can selectively oxidize specific molecules, such as alcohols or hydrocarbons.

Another approach is to develop catalysts that can operate under milder conditions, such as lower temperatures or pressures, to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.

Advances in computational modeling and experimental techniques have also facilitated the development of new catalysts. Computational modeling can be used to predict the behavior of catalysts and identify promising candidates for further testing. Experimental techniques, such as surface analysis and in-situ spectroscopy, can provide insights into the mechanisms of catalytic reactions and help optimize catalyst design.

Conclusion

Oxidation catalysis is an essential process in many industrial applications, including the production of chemicals and the removal of pollutants from the environment. Heterogeneous catalysts are commonly used due to their efficiency and ease of separation. Catalyst selectivity and efficiency remain important challenges, but advances in computational modeling and experimental techniques are driving the development of new and improved catalysts. Nanoparticles are particularly effective wastewater treatment catalysts. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP) based on Nano catalysis should be integrated with conventional treatment methods to eliminate biologically resistant pollutants from wastewater. The effective creation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and the benign elimination of dangerous contaminants are the foundations of AOPs.

Being an innovative and effective wastewater treatment technology, AOPs have the benefits of minimum secondary pollution and high mineralization efficiency. Each AOP has its own limitations in terms of real application. The harsh reaction conditions and high treatment costs are two factors that restrict its broad use. Photo catalytic methods, catalytic chemical oxidation, electro-flocculation, and contemporary Fenton-like processes are all significant in today's environmental cleanup.