Nagpur News:
India needs new catalyst discoveries, catalysts are required for biological processes as well as for the production of chemicals, polymers, and pharmaceutical,said Prof.G.D.Yadav,Vice-Chancellor, Institute of Chemical Technology, while speaking at a workshop on “Catalysis for Sustainable Development” February 4, 2014 in the NEERI Auditorium.
CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), in association with Catalysis Society of India, has organized a two-day workshop on “Catalysis for Sustainable Development.
Catalysts are required to facilitate chemical reactions so that they occur at useful rates and with preference to the desired product, he added. He mentioned that catalysts help to carry out chemical reactions in the most efficient, economical, and environmentally responsible manner. But not enough work has been carried out in India with regard to polymer catalysis, he deplored.
Prof. Yadav expressed a concern over how to develop a catalyst which works at low temperature. This a real challenge before the scientists, he said. He advocated that we need to convert biomass to value-added products.
While addressing the gathering Dr. Sapkal emphasized on the need to go for catalysis for large commercial production of various useful products. But, simultaneously cost-effectiveness, clean fuel and reduction of green house gases, should be kept into consideration, he added. He urged the participants to share their experience of using catalysts.
Dr. Sivaram Former Director, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, also stressed upon the development of catalysts, but he cautioned that the research should be need and economy based. He said that chemicals being produced through catalysis should have large capacities and economies of scale. He stated that scientists should work in the area of catalytic hydrogenation as much scope exists in this area. Dr. Sivaram informed that he has succeeded in manufacturing Hydrogenated Bisphenol – A first time in India through catalysis.
In his welcome address, Dr. S R Wate, Director, CSIR-NEERI briefed about the ongoing R&D activities of CSIR-NEERI in the area of catalysis for environment protection. A copy of the proceedings was also released on this occasion. Dr. Nitin Labhsetwar, Scientist, NEERI gave an overview of the workshop and Dr. Sadhana Rayalu, Head, EMD proposed the vote of thanks.
