Net Zero Transition: Possible Implications for Catalysis

Abstract

This Viewpoint discusses the implications of the net zero energy transition on traditional chemical feedstocks and catalytic elements. While the full impact of the upcoming changes is difficult to assess, some trends from scenarios already underway can be mapped. For example, a steady growth in electric passenger vehicles will diminish transportation-related petroleum refining output, which could then create chemical feedstock gaps and changes in the supply/demand dynamics of certain critical metals. These impacts could present unexpected opportunities for emerging feedstocks such as biomass, sequestered CO2, and recycled carbon to bridge the supply gaps, even within the next decade. Further, catalytic metals such as Pd, Rh, and Pt will be displaced from petroleum refining and automotive exhaust catalytic converter applications and potentially become more available for producing chemicals and aviation fuels from emerging feedstocks. At the same time, metals such as Co and Ni, which are currently considered to be earth abundant, will face increasing demand in energy storage applications and thus could become less attractive for catalytic applications. The availability of carbon-free hydrogen and oxygen will facilitate the march toward decarbonization of the chemical industry. Finally, the enormity of displaced petroleum refining assets offers the possibility of repurposing some of them to process emerging feedstocks. These disruptions will have profound implications in future catalysis research and must be considered for a well-guided transition toward industrial sustainability.