How do the costs of raw materials affect catalysis?
The cost of raw materials is a major economic constraint in catalysis. Precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium are commonly used as catalysts due to their high activity and selectivity. However, these materials are expensive and subject to market fluctuations, which can significantly impact the overall cost of catalytic processes. Researchers are continually exploring alternatives, such as base metal catalysts or biocatalysts, to reduce dependence on costly raw materials.