Can aluminum be used as a catalyst?

Aluminum is not typically used as a catalyst in chemical reactions. Catalysts are substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. Aluminum, being a metal with a +3 oxidation state, does not readily participate in reactions where it could act as a catalyst. Instead, it is more commonly used in its elemental form for structural purposes or as a reducing agent in certain chemical processes. However, aluminum compounds, such as alumina (Al2O3), can be used as catalysts or catalyst supports in specific industrial applications.