A smart catalyst would be useful in the chemical industry, which uses the catalytic process, Venkataraman said. Molecular sieves are already used in the chemical industry, he says. Using the shapes of molecules, chemists are able to control chemical separations and reactions with extreme precision. Building such materials from organic compounds would enable scientists to easily make chemical modifications in specific areas, essentially custom-designing a catalyst. Venkataraman notes that his work draws from both organic and inorganic chemistry, along with polymer chemistry.
Life is just principles of chemistry in action.