Advances in Green Catalysis: Toward Carbon-Neutral Chemical Processes

Abstract

The global need for sustainable chemical manufacturing has driven green catalysis research, which offers creative ways to reduce energy consumption, waste, and carbon emissions in industrial operations. recent breakthroughs in carbon-neutral catalytic systems, focusing on heterogeneous, homogeneous, and biocatalytic routes that enable efficient conversions under moderate circumstances. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), single-atom catalysts, and earth-abundant transition metals are investigated as potential replacements for precious-metal catalysts, while photocatalysis and electrocatalysis are encouraged for converting carbon dioxide into value-added chemicals and fuels. Enzyme engineering and hybrid catalytic systems bridge biological efficiency with chemical resilience. Using computational chemistry, machine learning, and life-cycle analysis, researchers may build catalysts with better selectivity, recyclability, and scalability. These advances are key steps toward carbon-neutral chemical processes and support green chemistry and sustainable development. Industrial issues such catalyst stability, cost-effectiveness, and large-scale deployment are essential for converting laboratory innovations into real-world impact.