(407c) How Can Catalysis Enable the Reduction of CO2 Emissions By the Fuels and Chemicals Industries?

Today, over 90% of the world’s demand for transportation fuels, chemical, and polymers is based on the utilization of coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Unfortunately, though, the CO₂ emitted to the atmosphere during the production of these products and the combustion of carbon-based fuels contributes to global warming and climate change. Despite significant improvements in the efficiency with which fuels and chemicals are produced and fuels are used for transportation, the amounts of CO₂ emitted globally continues. This trend is due to increases in the global population and the standard of living of individuals. Therefore, the challenge is to provide the needs of society, while minimizing or eliminating the emission of CO₂ into the atmosphere. This talk will examine the role that catalysis can play in enabling the production of fuels and chemicals using renewable sources of carbon and hydrogen, and renewable sources of electricity to promote the transformation of these resources.