Catalysts are of crucial importance to industry as these materials are essential for mediating more than 90% of all industrial chemical processes worldwide.
Research in CAT covers all of catalyst synthesis and modification, physico-chemical characterisation and testing under industrially relevant conditions.
The unit is the leading research group in catalysis in South Africa and enjoys excellent relations with similar academic groups in Europe, North America and Asia as well as substantial co-operation with domestic and international industry.
The Institute hosts the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Catalysis in South Africa. Here the focus is on opportunities relevant to South Africa and the continent that also support the country’s international competitiveness. Ten higher education institutions are participating in its scientific programme. CAT is also home to the HySA/Catalysis Centre of Competence, which focuses on the development of fuel cell technology to establish South Africa as a major global exporter of catalysts and fuel cell components.
