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1. What new advancements have we seen in the field of catalysis in recent years?

Genevra Moubray

In recent years, the field of catalysis has seen numerous advancements, ranging from the development of new heterogeneous catalyst systems to the discovery of novel catalytic mechanisms. One of the most significant breakthroughs in catalysis has been the development of so-called "smart catalysts," which possess the ability to adjust their properties in response to changes in their chemical environment.

One area in which smart catalysts have shown great promise is in the field of selective catalysis. Traditionally, catalysts have had limited selectivity, meaning that they can only catalyze a limited number of reactions. However, by designing catalysts with specific functions and properties, researchers have been able to develop catalysts that are highly selective for certain reactions. For example, new catalysts have been developed that can selectively catalyze the conversion of biomass into liquid fuels, which is a major yet challenging goal in the field of sustainable energy.

Another significant advancement in the field of catalysis has been the development of novel catalytic mechanisms. One such mechanism is called "organocatalysis," which involves the use of organic molecules as catalysts. This approach has shown great promise in the catalysis of various chemical reactions, including the asymmetric synthesis of chiral molecules, which is important in the pharmaceutical industry.

In addition to smart catalysts and novel catalytic mechanisms, recent advancements in the field of catalysis have also centered around the use of sustainable and renewable sources of energy. For example, researchers have been working to develop catalysts that can efficiently convert CO2 into useful chemicals, such as methanol. This is an important area of research, as it could potentially help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Overall, the field of catalysis has seen significant advancements in recent years, with researchers developing new smart catalysts, novel catalytic mechanisms, and sustainable approaches to catalysis. These advancements hold great promise for the development of new and more efficient ways to produce chemicals and energy, and will continue to be an important area of research in the years to come.