US military interested in synfuels

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2007
• Weight: 50 KB
• Volume: 2007
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1351-4180
• DOI: 10.1016/s1351-4180(07)70419-1

✦ Synopsis

by 35% in 2006 to over Yen 400 bn from Yen 300 bn in 2005. Declines were observed in both production and shipment values of catalysts. Output for catalysts applied in environmental conservation, however, was strong in 2006, rising by more than 40% due to robust demand for auto-exhaust catalysts composed of precious metals. Oil-refining catalysts, which comprise the main sector of the catalyst market, saw a slowdown in demand due in part to a backlash against the boom experienced in 2005. Factors affecting demand for catalysts include the exploitation of markets abroad, environmental regulations, and advancements in technology in the field of new energy. Catalyst manufacturers are developing fuel-cell catalysts, many of which are being reviewed for commercialization.