Redesign chemical processes to substitute the use of fossil fuels: A viewpoint of the implications on catalysis

The substitution of fossil fuels requires redesigning chemical processes and this has major implications on catalysis. In this viewpoint, after analyzing the motivations why this transition to an almost fossil-free future will likely occur faster than often indicated, it is remarked the presence of a science and technology gap to pass from today catalysis to that dominant in the future scenario indicated with the term “reactive” catalysis. It defines catalysis operating in the presence of the highly reactive species generated either i) by application of a potential and electrical current or ii) by light absorption with creation of charge separation, or iii) by activation of the reactant molecules when generating a non-thermal plasma. It requires a different conceptual approach from “thermal” catalysis, where heat is the energy form provided to overcome the activation barrier. Reactive catalysis is not just an extension of that in use (thermal catalysis), but requires to redesign materials and related concepts, including in terms of fundamental science and technology aspects to understand and improve their behavior. The case study of solar ammonia (direct synthesis from N2, i.e., nitrogen reduction reaction - NRR) was used to illustrate the need of this change and some of the open questions to solve.