ACS Catalysis is dedicated to publishing original research on heterogeneous catalysis, molecular catalysis, and biocatalysis. Wide-ranging coverage includes life sciences, organometallics and synthesis, photochemistry and electrochemistry, drug discovery and synthesis, materials science, environmental protection, polymer discovery and synthesis, and energy and fuels.

The journal seeks to acquire content in the areas of new reactions and new approaches to synthesis involving known catalysts, discovery or modification of new catalysts, novel mechanistic and investigatory studies on catalysis, practical enhancements of known processes, and conceptual advances. Specifically, ACS Catalysis includes both experimental and theoretical research on molecules, macromolecules and materials that are catalytic in nature, that is, they exhibit catalytic turnover.