Share this article Share this article KAWANISHI-CITY, Japan, May 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In chemical industries, acid catalysts such as hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid are currently used for various chemical reactions. However, after their use, these liquid catalysts are discarded; their reuse or collection, however, is considerably difficult as they are liquids. For example, sulfuric acid is an indispensable catalyst and a raw material for use in oil refineries and chemical reactions, as well as in various chemicals and pharmaceutical products. In addition, it can be used as a catalyst for biofuels such as bio-ethanol and bio-diesel. However, the recycling and reuse of sulfuric acid is difficult since it is a liquid. As such, more than 15 million tons of sulfuric acid is consumed annually as non-recyclable catalyst, which is deleterious to the environment. Furthermore, the safety and maintenance of manufacturing facilities is always difficult because of its highly toxic and corrosive characteristics. Moreover, sulfuric acid cannot be eliminated, and it is retained in the chemical products; hence, it can adversely affect the properties of those chemical products.