R&D in catalysis focuses on several key areas, including:
Homogeneous Catalysis: Catalysts that are in the same phase as the reactants, usually liquid. Heterogeneous Catalysis: Catalysts that are in a different phase than the reactants, often solid catalysts in contact with gaseous or liquid reactants. Enzyme Catalysis: Biological catalysts which are highly specific and operate under mild conditions. Photocatalysis: Catalysts that use light to activate chemical reactions, often used in environmental applications like water purification.