Combinatorial and High Throughput Approaches in Heterogeneous Catalysis: Reality or Illusion

Abstract

The application of combinatorial and high throughput techniques to heterogeneous catalysis science was aimed to accelerate discovery of new catalytic materials, active, selective and durable. In addition the optimization of the existing catalysts by reformation and modification, into more effective, applying an evolutionary approach, was also the challenge. In heterogeneous catalysis, these approaches were followed by researchers only since few years. However, one has to observe than no substantial discoveries have appeared in the open literature since the technique have been applied in heterogeneous catalysis. The implementation of combinatorial techniques and their applications in heterogeneous catalysis science that are indeed very appealing and sound great, needs still striking results and solid experimental advances. Nevertheless, the challenges and the opportunities at this early stage remain great.