Soft templating is crucial in catalysis because it allows for the controlled creation of porous materials with high surface areas, which is essential for catalytic activity. The pores facilitate the diffusion of reactants and products to and from the active sites, increasing the efficiency of the catalyst. Furthermore, the ability to tailor the pore size and distribution can lead to enhanced selectivity in catalytic reactions, as the reactant molecules must fit within the pores to access the active sites.
