Our modern world is powered by chemical transformations that benefit the lives of billions. These transformations can be found across many sectors, including transportation, heating and cooling, electricity, food production, and manufacturing, among many others. To date, fossil resources have provided the majority of the energy demanded by the global economy, and thanks to human ingenuity over decades (and centuries) we have been able to develop large-scale chemical processes that can make use of the fossil resources to provide for many across the globe in a cost-effective manner. However, there are many challenges to the current paradigm, as (1) modern processes are generally not sustainable, and (2) while they provide for billions, there are billions of others who have minimal access to the modern energy system. This paper will describe efforts envisioned for a future paradigm. In particular, the paper will discuss the development of new catalysts and new processes that can make use of renewable resources in the production, storage, and utilization of important molecular products. Examples include hydrogen (H<sub>2</sub>), carbon-based fuels and chemicals, and NH<sub>3</sub> fertilizer, among others. A key focus of the paper will be on the fundamental design and development of catalyst systems that can execute desired chemical transformations with high activity, selectivity, and durability, along with the integration of such catalysts into devices that can achieve high-performance, paving the path ahead for new, sustainable technologies.

Catalyzing chemical transformations for global sustainability

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.