Shared facilities are crucial in the field of catalysis for several reasons:
1. Cost Efficiency: High-end analytical instruments such as NMR spectrometers, X-ray diffraction (XRD) machines, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) systems are expensive. Shared facilities help distribute these costs among multiple users, making advanced research more affordable.
2. Collaboration: These facilities foster collaboration between researchers from different disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach can lead to innovative solutions and advancements in catalysis.
3. Training and Expertise: Shared facilities often come with technical support and training programs. This helps researchers learn how to use sophisticated instruments properly, leading to more accurate and reliable results.