Combinatorial methods, by which large collections or libraries of comp
ounds are synthesized and screened for a particular physical or chemic
al property, are being applied to inorganic and organic materials incl
uding superconductors, phosphors, ferroelectric materials, polymers an
d catalysts. This technology promises to significantly increase both t
he efficiency of the materials discovery and optimization process, as
well as our information base relating to materials properties.