Catalysis Science in China: From Traditional Techniques to Modern Innovations

Abstract

ABSTRACT As a recipient and learner of modern sciences, China has made significant strides in catalysis research and application over the past century and a half. Starting in the late Qing Dynasty, the country started to accumulate extensive experience in employing catalytic technologies to produce essential materials such as sulfuric acid and synthetic ammonia, which were mainly shipped into China from abroad in the past. The product list gradually expanded. In recent years, however, China has become one of the global leaders in modern catalysis research by establishing key concepts and theories, as well as developing cutting‐edge technologies in various fields, such as confinement catalysis, single‐atom catalysis, chiral catalysis, the Sabatier principle of metal‐support interaction, modern characterization methods, and clean energy catalysis.