How is your catalyst beneficial to the industry that uses it?
The nickel catalyst is used in a large number of industrial processes and in organic synthesis because of its stability and high catalytic activity at room temperature. It is very efficient. The key characteristics of nickel in these catalysts are its ability to absorb huge quantities of hydrogen, which therefore increases how efficient reactions are. The more efficient reactions are to create a final product, the easier it is for companies to operate and bring in revenue. In addition, nickel is less costly relative to competing materials of the platinum group. There is not as much platinum in the world as nickel, buying a nickel catalyst is more beneficial than buying a platinum catalyst that is very costly. This catalyst is cheap and efficient for industries to use. Nickel based catalysts set out competition for major industries such as food and oil refining. The nickel catalyst most benefits the industries that use it because 1) It speeds up chemical reactions – Saves time and cost 2) It reduces the heat required to carry out a chemical reaction – Energy and cost saving 3) Alters the balance of reaction products – less waste and energy How is your catalyst beneficial to the society or the environment? The process of making margarine through the nickel catalyst makes it beneficial to society because when compared to butter, there is less saturated fat. It is a better alternative for people who love butter! In addition, a catalyst is a way to save energy. Applying catalysts on a grand scale could save the world a lot of energy. Three percent of all of the energy used in the U.S. every year goes into converting ethane and propane into alkenes, which are used to make plastics, among other things. That's the equivalent of more than 500 million barrels of gasoline! Since the nickel catalyst is used in such large industries, this creates a lot of jobs for people. |