Global warming polymer industry

The contributions that catalysts make to almost every facet of our daily lives cannot be overstated. Virtually every natural resource (cmde oil, coal, biomass, minerals) and every source of energy (petrochemical fuels, nuclear, natural gas, solar) require the use of many catalysts before finished products (fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, polymers, composites) arrive in our homes, offices and industries [1]. Catalysts also play increasingly important roles in solving some of the most challenging environmental problems that we currently face (global warming, the greenhouse effect, limited natural resources and polluhon) [2]. 

CO2 as a byproduct during the combustion of fuels in industrial plants and automobiles is a major contributor to global warming. Hence, the selective capture of carbon dioxide requires special attention from the scientific community. The principle sources of CO2 that cause harm to the environment are contaminated natural gas, containing a mixture of methane and CO2 (known as pre-combustion), and exhaust gas generated in industiy or from automobiles (post-combustion). Separate physical conditions are needed for CO2 capture from pre- and post-combustion mixtures, and a variety of porous polymer networks, both soluble and insoluble, have been involved in CO2 capture with consideration of their pore dimensions. " ... 

Toluene is a representative example of aromatic compounds investigated due to its extensive use in industrial processes as solvent or as feedstock for the production of polymers or adhesives, but also due to its existence in petroleum-derived fuels. In a close relation, catalytic total oxidation takes into consideration the serious environmental concern generated by its perilous health effects but also by its contribution to global warming smog processes as a result of the emission of toluene from both stationary and mobile sources. 

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