The document discusses challenges in chemical reaction engineering and the potential of membrane reactors. It notes that while chemical reaction engineering is mature, reaction rates are often too low and conversions are thermodynamically limited. Membrane reactors could help address issues by retaining homogeneous catalysts, separating products to shift equilibrium, and integrating reaction and separation steps. The document also provides classifications of chemical reactions and conventional reactor types. It focuses on how membrane reactors may improve reaction selectivity and energy efficiency over traditional approaches.