How Does Material Availability Influence Catalyst Choice?
The choice of catalyst is influenced by several factors, including activity, selectivity, stability, and cost. Material availability directly impacts the cost and sustainability of the catalyst. For instance, while platinum is an excellent catalyst for many reactions, its scarcity and high price drive research into more abundant alternatives like nickel or copper. Similarly, the availability of raw materials needed to synthesize complex catalysts can determine their practical application in industry.