Heterogeneous Catalysis—Still Magic or Already Science?

Heterogeneous catalysis is still regarded as black magic , since the development of practical catalysts is dependent on empirical facts. Research in this area has been restricted by the complexity of solid catalyst systems, the many interrelated factors that determine the reaction mechanism, and the fact that these catalytic processes cannot be analyzed in situ. This highlight describes scientific approaches that could lead catalyst research out of its infancy, but also warns against misinterpretion of new results.