What catalysts are used to manufacture sulfuric acid and nitric acid?
Here is a site for HNO3. The site lists Pt and Rh as catalysts but Fe oxides and Ni are also used.
(Broken Link Removed)
This sits lists vanadium oxide as a catalyst for the contact process of producing H2SO4. There may be others.
http://www.ausetute.com.au/sulfacid.html
To manufacture sulfuric acid, the most commonly used catalyst is vanadium pentoxide (V2O5). The manufacturing process involves the contact of sulfur trioxide (SO3) with water (H2O) to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4). This reaction is highly exothermic, meaning it releases a large amount of heat. The use of vanadium pentoxide as the catalyst helps to facilitate this reaction at a lower temperature.
To manufacture nitric acid, there are two main processes: the Ostwald process and the Nitric Acid Air Oxidation process. In the Ostwald process, ammonia (NH3) is oxidized to produce nitric acid (HNO3) and water (H2O). The catalyst used in this process is a platinum-rhodium alloy.
In the Nitric Acid Air Oxidation process, the catalyst depends on the specific method used. One common catalyst is platinum supported on a ceramic material, such as alumina. Another catalyst that is sometimes used is a mixture of platinum and rhodium supported on a honeycomb structure.
In both cases, the catalysts play a crucial role in promoting the desired reactions and increasing the efficiency of the manufacturing process.