Metal Oxide Nanocatalysts in Sustainable Energy Production for Climate Change Mitigation

Abstract

The environmental impacts of global warming and climate change continue to be seen on the global scale and one of the major contributors to this issue is the burning of fossil fuels for the production of energy. Various technologies have been developed and suggested as a substitute for these fossil fuels and nanotechnology is one of these processes. Nanotechnology, specifically nanocatalysis is a process that employs materials in the nanoscale for catalyzing various chemical reactions. Nanocatalysts have diverse applications in industry, for example, biodiesel (a smart, eco-friendly substitute for fossil fuels) synthesis, catalyzing various organic reactions, including hydrogenation and oxidation, applications in fuel cells, and functioning as photocatalysts for pollutant degradation in the presence of sunlight. Metal oxide nanocatalysts are a special, specific class of compounds that combine the advantages of metal oxide catalysts and nanocatalysts. With proper research and development, these compounds can be applied to the optimization of various industrial and commercially significant processes, pollutant degradation, and generally towards environmental sustainability. Metal oxide nanocatalysts are a part of “green technologies,” which are technological developments designed to mitigate the negative impacts of human activities on the environment. However, much is left to research and understand about this technology and further research and development will lead to its advancement and ultimately promote sustainability and the conservation of the environment.