Nanocatalysts are nanoparticles that are essential for increasing the speed of chemical reactions. In recent years, research on nanocatalysts has demonstrated better performance in catalysis processes when compared to traditional catalysts.

Nanocatalysts have recently emerged as a significant advancement that combines the benefits of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts with atomic structural modifications. Their capacity to enhance reactions and the subsequent products offers improved opportunities for commercial applications.

On Friday (July 28, 2023), Professor Yogi stated that nanocatalysts have shown several advantages compared to traditional catalysts. These advantages include higher conversion rates, improved selectivity, increased efficiency, and even reduced energy consumption.

One notable use of nanocatalysts is their involvement in the production of hydrogen for energy purposes. Professor Yogi presented an illustration of their involvement in the Molina National Electric Car Project, which is a joint initiative between the government and ITB. The Molina system is equipped with a specialized mechanical system that is capable of converting biomethanol and bioethanol into hydrogen. The hydrogen that is generated is subsequently supplied to a fuel cell, powering the vehicle.

He explained, "We do not store the liquefied hydrogen gas in a tank; instead, we synthesize hydrogen on-site. After being produced, hydrogen is then supplied to the fuel cell in order to provide power for the vehicle.”

Nanocatalyst research and applications are consistently growing in popularity each year. Nanocatalysts have been widely employed in diverse sectors such as healthcare, environmental preservation, construction, materials, and mechanical engineering. Professor Yogi revealed that nanocatalysts hold significant promise in the processing of diverse resources on our planet.

Nevertheless, the synthesis of nanocatalysts continues to present challenges due to its costly nature. As a result of this constraint, the utilization of nanocatalysts has been limited to a small number of research initiatives. However, the potential for nanocatalysts to gain popularity in the future is still uncertain due to the significant advancements in research and practical use up until now.

"To design catalysts on such a small scale requires a complex approach and extensive research. Consequently, this research presents significant prospects for the further enhancement of nanocatalysts and their utilization potential on a larger scale," he concluded.

Reporter: Hanifa Juliana (Perencanaan Wilayah dan Kota, 2020)
Translator: Anggi Nurdiani (Manajemen, 2021)
Editor: Ayesha Lativa Mafaza (Teknologi Pascapanen, 2021)