Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by catalytic processes

Catalytic technologies for the abatement of greenhouse gases (GGs) can be an effective possibility for limiting the increasing tropospheric concentration of GGs and reducing their contribution to global warming. Two different cases are discussed: (i) reduction of anthropogenic emissions of non-CO2 GGs (N2O and CH4) and (ii) reduction or conversion of CO2. In methane conversion waste gases containing diluted methane can be converted at low temperature using Pd supported on titania–ceria catalysts which show also a good resistance to deactivation. Rh supported on modified zirconia–alumina catalysts are effective and stable catalysts in low temperature decomposition of N2O. The concept of reduction of CO2 back to fuels in a photo-electrocatalytic reactor is also presented.