Rare Earth Catalysts and Catalytic Activity

Abstract

More than 90% of chemicals, including ammonia (NH3), nitric acid, and sulfuric acid, are produced in the presence of catalysts. Catalysts are also utilized in the inorganic chemical industry, during processes involving catalytic cracking and reforming of petroleum as well as in the organic chemical industry in the production of methanol, butanol, acetic acid, and acetone. Moreover, liquefaction and gasification of coal, production of synthetic materials in the polymer industry, reduction of pollution associated with automobile tail gas, and utilization of waste require the use of suitable catalysts. The earliest application of rare earth elements also started with catalysis.