Nanomaterials in catalysis

The research area of catalysis has attracted the scientific community for the last six decades, particularly after the oil discovery. The optimized utilization of energy sources within the industrial sector has paved the way for catalysis science to lead society. Traditionally, catalysis can be categorized into three major arenas: homogeneous, heterogeneous, and enzymatic. Among these, heterogeneous catalysis, the solid–gas interface phenomenon, is the most used technology that produces high product yields and proper catalyst design to facilitate less deactivation leading to long-term stability. With the discovery of nanomaterials, the field of heterogeneous catalysis has been revolutionized, and scientists have been able to grasp the molecular-level understanding of catalysis. In addition, climate change and global warming have presented hydrogen production from ammonia and higher alcohol synthesis from syngas as potential alternatives which can replace fossil fuels. Hence, this chapter highlights the importance of nanomaterials in heterogeneous catalysis, their role in an ammonia decomposition reaction, and syngas conversion to higher alcohol synthesis.