ACS Catalysis and the Scope of Papers Sought in Three Catalysis Subdisciplines: Biocatalysis and Enzymology, Molecular Catalysis for Organic Synthesis, and Heterogeneous Photocatalysis

Subdisciplines: Biocatalysis and Enzymology, Molecular Catalysis for Organic Synthesis, and Heterogeneous Photocatalysis A a comprehensive catalysis journal, jointly “owned” by the vast array of researchers studying molecules and materials that catalyze reactions, the scope of ACS Catalysis is understandably quite broad. In this regard, the editorial team has stated that the journal seeks the top echelon of papers in all fields of catalysis; more specifically, we seek the papers that the editors and reviewers deem to be the top 10% of papers in catalysis, as measured by innovation, impact, depth of understanding, and other key factors. Over the last century, the study of catalysis has evolved in numerous subdisciplines, each with its own expectations for papers published within its subdomain. In respecting these traditions, laid out by generations of scientists working to advance catalysis, the editors at ACS Catalysis have chosen not to write a formal description of the journal scope that applies to all areas of catalysis beyond the top 10% metric described above. Instead, periodically over the years, we have sought to define and refine the expectations for various subdisciplines in catalysis, in parallel with publication of guidelines and tips for successful publication in ACS Catalysis through editorials or perspective articles. With the steady growth of ACS Catalysis, the expectations and standards for publication have evolved, and today, a very small fraction of submitted papers are accepted for publication. In this editorial, we seek to clarify the scope of papers that best fit the journal in three key subdisciplines of catalysis where submissions and publications are growing rapidly(i) biocatalysis and enzymology, (ii) molecular catalysis in organic synthesis, and (iii) heterogeneous photocatalysis. The journal remains a comprehensive title, covering all areas of catalysis, and discussions clarifying the scope in other subareas may appear in future editorials.