Catalysis and materials technology play crucial roles in many industries by enabling chemical reactions and developing materials with specific properties. Catalysis increases reaction rates by providing alternative pathways requiring less energy. It is key in materials technology for precisely controlling material structure and composition to improve performance. Examples where catalysis is important include enzymes, industrial processes, fuel cells, and catalytic converters. Zeolites are also discussed as important porous catalyst materials used in petrochemical industry processes.

2. Catalysis and materials
technology are two
interconnected fields that play a
crucial role in various industries,
including chemical,
pharmaceutical, energy, and
environmental sectors.

3. Catalysis is the process of increasing
the rate of a chemical reaction by
using a substance called a catalyst. A
catalyst works by providing an
alternative reaction pathway with
lower activation energy, allowing the
reaction to occur more rapidly.
Catalysts are not consumed in the
reaction and can be reused.

4. • Examples of Catalysis:
• 1.1. Enzymes: Enzymes are
biological catalysts that facilitate
biochemical reactions in living
organisms. For example, the enzyme
amylase catalyzes the breakdown of
starch into glucose during digestion.

5. • 1.2. Industrial Catalysis: In the
chemical industry, catalysts are used
to enhance the efficiency of various
processes. For instance, the Haber-
Bosch process uses iron as a catalyst
to convert nitrogen and hydrogen into
ammonia, a key component in the
production of fertilizers.

7. • 2. Materials Technology:
• Materials technology involves the
development and application of
materials with specific properties to
meet the needs of various industries.
It encompasses the study of
materials' structure, properties,
processing, and performance.

8. 3. Catalysis in Materials Technology:
• Catalysis plays a crucial role in
materials technology by enabling the
synthesis and modification of
materials with desired properties. It
allows for precise control over the
structure and composition of
materials, leading to improved
performance.

9. Examples of Catalysis in Materials
Technology:
• 3.1. Zeolites: Zeolites are porous
materials with a well-defined
structure. They are widely used as
catalysts in the petrochemical
industry for processes such as
cracking and isomerization.

10. Origin of zeolites
In the natural environment, zeolites were
formed at sites of volcanic activity. When a
volcano was on an island or in coastal areas,
the ejected lava and ash entered the waters
where, when mixed with saline seawater,
underwent hydrothermal reactions that over
thousands of years led to the formation of
crystalline solids called zeolites (Harpel et al.,
2008, Moshoeshoe et al., 2017, Weckhuysen
and Yu, 2015).

11. Application of zeolites in agriculture
The literature reports a number of advantages
regarding the use of zeolites in agriculture.
Zeolites can improve water retention in sandy
soils and increase porosity in clay soils, retain
nutrients and increase crops, they are also
good carriers of mineral nutrients and can
control their slow release after application.

12. • 3.2. Fuel Cells: Fuel cells are devices
that convert chemical energy into
electrical energy. Catalysts, such as
platinum, are used to facilitate the
electrochemical reactions occurring in
fuel cells, enabling efficient energy
conversion.

13. Platinum is a necessary component of
the electrodes of fuel cell engines. It is
deposited on porous electrodes, where it
serves as the electrocatalyst to promote
the rate of electrochemical reactions
required to encourage H2 to release
electrons and become H2 ions.

14. 3.3 A catalytic converter uses a
chamber called a catalyst to change
the harmful compounds from an
engine's emissions into safe gases, like
steam. It works to split up the unsafe
molecules in the gases that a car
produces before they get released into
the air.

16. • Catalysis and materials technology are
essential fields that contribute to
advancements in various industries.
Understanding the principles of catalysis
and materials technology allows scientists
and engineers to develop innovative
materials and processes that drive
technological progress and address
societal challenges. By harnessing the
power of catalysis and materials
technology, we can create a more
sustainable and efficient future.