Catalysis research underpins the science of modem chemical processing and fuel technologies. Catalysis is one of the most important technologies commercially in national economies. Solid-state heterogeneous catalyst materials such as metal oxides or metal particles on ceramic oxide substrates are most common. They are typically used with commodity gases and liquid reactants. Selective oxidation catalysis of hydrocarbon feedstocks is the dominant process converting them to key industrial chemicals, polymers, and energy sources, and is the basis of this review.