Catalysis—where science and industry meet

Abstract

The role of catalysis in chemical industry as basis of modern civilization is described and mechanism of catalytic reactions is discussed. Influence of electronic structure of transition metal atoms, structure sensitivity of catalytic reactions, tailoring of acid-base and redox properties of zeolites, quantum chemical description of elementary reaction steps, dynamics of catalysts surfaces, oscillatory reactions, supramolecular and micelar catalysis and catalytic antibodies are then presented as illustration of the state of the art in science of catalysis. Main goals in sustainable increase of production at lower energy consumption and limited waste generation, removal of enviromental pollution and development of new energy sources are exposed to be achieved by change of paradigm. Molecular design of integrated catalytic systems using nanotechnology and tailored to the needs of any given reaction can be envisaged. © 1994 IUPAC