Scientific breakthrough will help promote environmental protection: chemical processes using "green" catalysts
A team of researchers led by Prof. Roman Dubrovetsky from the school of chemistry at the Faculty of Exact Sciences by Raymond and Burley Sackler At Tel Aviv University, a novel catalyst based on common and more environmentally friendly elements has been developed that can speed up essential chemical reactions in industry – such as the production of pharmaceuticals, clean fuels and other materials. The research, published in Nature Chemistry, offers a sustainable alternative to the chemical industry, which could significantly reduce dependence on expensive, polluting and toxic metals such as palladium and platinum.
Prof. Roman Dobrovetsky explains that in the chemical industry there is a process called "hydrogenation" - a process in which hydrogen is attached to various organic molecules. Hydrogenation is a key chemical reaction in industry, used to produce a wide range of products - from medicines and clean fuels to plastics and rubber. Today, to speed up the process, catalysts based on rare transition metals are used, which are expensive, toxic and their extraction causes serious environmental damage.
The solution developed by the researchers is based on a unique molecule containing phosphorus, a common and available element, which is capable of catalyzing hydrogenation reactions similar to noble metals – but without the disadvantages associated with them.
The researchers explain that the new development may contribute To reduce industrial pollution – The transition to the use of phosphorus-based catalysts will enable the production of clean pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and fuels in a more sustainable manner, while reducing dependence on pollutants.
Less polluting mining – Today, mining precious metals involves significant environmental destruction, water pollution, and soil damage. Switching to more common materials like phosphorus would reduce the need for polluting mining.
and a greener industry – If companies adopt the new method, it will be possible to produce medicines, green fuels, and other chemical products in a more sustainable manner, while reducing industrial pollution.
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