Discovery by German scientists could advance industrial processes.
Catalysts are substances that trigger or accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They are essential in everyday life—fertilizers, plastics, medicines, food, and cosmetics are just a few examples of products whose production relies on catalysts. One of the most well-known uses is in vehicle exhaust purification systems. Traditional catalysts are usually based on rare and expensive precious metals like iridium and rhodium. Researchers worldwide are exploring alternatives using more abundant metals like aluminum or gallium, which also offer unique chemical properties.
However, catalytic concepts developed for precious metals cannot simply be applied to other elements, explains Prof. Dr. Robert Kretschmer, Chair of Inorganic Chemistry at the Technical University (TU) of Chemnitz, Germany. He has made a discovery with a research team that could pave the way for new methods. For the first time, a reaction has been observed in a gallium compound previously known for other metals only. Typically, gallium seeks to increase the number of bonds in a reaction, but the Chemnitz team successfully created a compound where the metal ended up with only one bond.
Such compounds are extremely rare, and only a few research groups worldwide can “tame” such molecules in the lab, Kretschmer explains. In this case, the gallium atom jumped between two carbon atoms—an insertion reaction that plays a crucial role in many industrial processes. This discovery could serve as the foundation for developing catalytic processes using new materials like gallium in the future.
Gallium and the Catalysis of the Future: Recently, we reported on another new catalytic concept where this technological metal plays a central role. It could lead to a more environmentally friendly production of ammonia, one of the most important basic chemicals in the industry. Additionally, a gallium catalyst might help neutralize the greenhouse gas CO2, contributing to climate protection.
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