Since H. S. Taylor's definition of active centers, understanding of the nature of active sites in petroleum cracking catalysts has undergone many revisions.  I've been associated with some of the major players over the past half-century and more, and I've made some small contributions myself.  This historical evolution is described from the perspective of my participation.From a few random nanoscale defect sites to organized nanostructures with numerous designed defects, cracking catalysts have matured to become major contributors to our economy and lifestyle.  Starting with Eugene Houdry's treated clays, then progressing to synthetic �amorphous� aluminosilicates, cracking catalysts took a giant step forward with crystalline zeolites and continued to evolve thereafter.  Some of the steps involved in how we got from there to here will be reviewed, and some of the technical contributions � many published, some not � will be described.Finally, my own evolution as a figurative catalyst will be briefly described, as I emulated Eugene Houdy (on a much less grand level) in exercising environmental concerns, leading to promotion of sound science advocacy for environmental protection in work with Clearwater, Inc., my local Environmental Review Board, and Pace University's graduate program in environmental science.

How does a catalyst evolve? Literal and figurative perspectives

244th National Meeting (2012)

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