Several factors contribute to the high cost of catalyst development:
1. Research and Development (R&D): Extensive R&D efforts are required to identify and optimize catalytic materials. This involves both theoretical studies and experimental trials. 2. Advanced Materials: Many catalysts are composed of rare or precious metals, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which are expensive and have limited availability. 3. Testing and Validation: Rigorous testing is essential to ensure that a catalyst performs effectively under various conditions. This process can be time-consuming and costly. 4. Pilot Scaling: Before full-scale production, catalysts must be tested in pilot plants to evaluate their performance in real-world scenarios. This step involves significant investment.
