Applied catalysis is based nowadays not only on empirical knowledge but also on the many insights, that have been gained from the fundamental understanding of catalysis. It also comprises knowledge and expertise from catalytic reaction engineering, in particular kinetics of the catalytic reaction and its interplay with heat and mass transfer as well as fluid dynamics and the specific conditions prevailing in the type of reactor used. Applied catalysis comprises many areas from a reaction point of view, many types of catalytic materials from which catalysts are formed are needed to achieve high selectivities and space-time yields, last but not least catalysts should have a long life time to which its deactivation is detrimental. A catalytic material that fulfils all the demands then often requires special mechanical and thermal treatment to be used in practise. Various books have been written about specific areas as mentioned above. It is the intention of this contribution to present timely reports by well-recognised experts in the field to outline the state of science and technology in selected but representative areas illustrating the basic principles of applied catalysis.

I Introduction

The Importance of Catalysis in the Chemical and Non-Chemical Industries
II Selected Reactions in Heterogeneous Catalysis
Partial Oxidation of C2 to C4 Paraffins
Selective Hydrogenation of Multiply-Unsaturated Hydrocarbon Compounds
Catalytic Reforming
The Application of Zeolites in Catalysis
III Preparation, Functionality and Characterization of Heterogeneous Catalysts
Catalyst Preparation
Tools for High-Throughput Experimentation in the Development of Heterogeneous Catalysts
Ordered Mesoporous Materials: Preparation and Application in Catalysis
In-situ-Characterization of Practical Heterogeneous Catalysts
IV Homogeneous Catalysis, Polymerization Catalysis and Biocatalysis
Homogeneous Catalysis
Polymerization Catalysis
Biocatalysis
V Catalytic Reaction Engineering
Kinetics of Heterogeneous Catalytic Reactions
Catalyst Deactivation
Divided Catalytic Processes
Structured Catalysts and Micro-Structured Reactors.