The LM741 requires a +/- sipply, but the LM324 is typically just a Single Supply.
They are Older parts and not the best for Low Noise or High Speed applications, But for General applications in Audio or making simple oscillators, or applications just requiring voltage gains, they are Quite Useful.
No they do Not drive Power, But they Produce Voltage GAINS.
However by Adding a Few Transistors to the output of the 741, you can make a Simple Power amp.
Yes, you can use them for IR proximity sensors, etc.
There are Litterly Millions of Circuit that can be made with them.
BUT You need to be More Specific of what you want, if you expect someone to give you a schematic of a circuit for them.
Gary