Termokatalyysi

Termokatalyysi is a chemical process that combines thermolysis and catalysis. Thermolysis, also known as pyrolysis, is a decomposition of a substance by heat in the absence of a reagent or a catalyst. Catalysis is the process of increasing the rate of a chemical reaction by adding a substance known as a catalyst. In termokatalyysi, a catalyst is used to facilitate the thermal decomposition of a substance at lower temperatures than would be required for pure thermolysis. This allows for the breakdown of complex organic materials into simpler, more valuable compounds, such as fuels or chemical feedstocks.

The process typically involves heating the material in an inert atmosphere to prevent oxidation. The catalyst, which can be a solid material like zeolites or metal oxides, provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. This leads to a more efficient and selective decomposition, producing a higher yield of desired products and reducing the formation of unwanted byproducts. Termokatalyysi is particularly useful for processing biomass, plastics, and other waste materials, converting them into energy or raw materials for chemical industries. It is an environmentally friendly approach as it can help reduce waste and utilize renewable resources. The specific temperature and catalyst used depend on the feedstock and the desired products.