ABSTRACT
Long before the emergence of green chemistry principles, several industrial processes successfully employed catalysis, including oil refining, polymer production, and bulk and fine chemicals. This chapter discusses various inorganic nanomaterials and their application in catalysis. Catalysis has proven to be a key tool for green chemistry, where catalytic materials with improved properties and performance have been facilitating energy-efficient processes. Catalysis plays a crucial role in producing environmentally benign chemicals, both new and existing, while saving energy, time, raw materials, and cost related to the overall process. All catalysts can be broadly classified under two categories, homogeneous catalysts and heterogeneous catalysts. Phase transfer catalysis is a special form of heterogeneous catalysis. One of the main principles of green chemistry, catalysis has been the driving force behind the production of various chemicals and pharmaceuticals for a long time.
