Catalyst support materials play an important role in many industrial processes, particularly in heterogeneous catalysis. The activity of heterogeneous catalysts is mainly promoted by atoms present at the accessible surface of the material. Consequently, great effort is made to maximize the specific surface area of a catalyst. One popular method for increasing surface area involves distributing the catalyst over the surface of the support. Loading catalytically active component on support materials delivers high surface areas and a stable structure allowing for efficient and selective reactions. The support may be inert or participate in the catalytic reactions. Some common catalyst support materials include silica, titania, metal oxides, and alumina. These materials are often used in fixed bed and powder catalyst applications. The choice of support or carrier material depends on the specific catalyst and reaction conditions. For example, alumina is often used as a support material in the production of catalysts for the petroleum industry, while titania is commonly used in photocatalysis applications.