Catalysis is a very important process in industry and laboratory
practices, especially from the point of green chemistry principles.
However, the eco-friendly character of heterogeneous catalysts containing
transition-metal components has not yet been evaluated. Therefore,
we performed a comprehensive assessment of 18 heterogeneous metal
catalysts (Pd, Pt, V, Co, Ni, Mo, Ru, Mn, Au, Cu, Cd, Zr, Fe, Rh,
Ir, Sn, Zn, Ag) using a multicriteria decision analysis approach. The ranking of alternatives
according to relevant criteria, such as the toxicity of pure metals
and metal salts toward fish, Daphnia magna, and algae/plants,
metal toxicity toward rats via ingestion, carcinogenicity, the endangerment
degree of metals, the boiling point and energy for atom detachment
(estimated as metal–metal bond strength in diatomic transition-metal
units), and the classification of elemental impurities according to
the International Conference on Harmonization, and their degree of
importance are presented. Life cycle assessment (LCA)-related parameters
of metals have been also included. The assessment showed ruthenium,
iron, and molybdenum as the most favorable alternatives, in contrast
to nickel, cobalt, and rhodium. Results of environmental evaluation
strictly depend on the chosen scenario of assessment, in terms of
toxicity, endangered elements, or LCA. Sensitivity analyses toward
variations in input data and applied weights prove that the results
are reliable. Multicriteria decision analysis can be successfully
applied in metal catalyst evaluation for particular case studies of
different reactions.