The Center for Catalysis, or CCAT, is a research and education organization focusing on “green chemistry,” which refers to environmentally benign chemical processes. These often occur at room temperatures and ordinary pressures, and use water, preferably, as a solvent. They require less expenditure of energy, occur more rapidly, and produce significantly fewer unwanted byproducts than competing industrial processes.
CCAT is working to create catalysts that will enable firms to replace chemical processes that generate large volumes of hazardous pollutants. It is developing new catalysts and biocatalysts that mimic nature and is transforming laboratory-scale catalysts into industrial-scale catlysts. With this technology, the CCAT is creating new markets for agricultural commodoties as raw materials for industry, thus benefitting the farm economy.
CCAT is a member of the Institute for Physical Research and Technology, and works closely with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory.
Website URL: https://ccat.las.iastate.edu