What is a Catalyst?

A catalyst is an agent that helps to bring about a chemical reaction. They are substances that increase the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process. Because they are so essential to the process of chemical reactions, catalysts are found all around us in our everyday lives. In this blog article, we will explore why catalysts are so important, how they work and the different types of catalysts.

How Catalysts Work

Catalysts are integral to the process of chemical reactions. By definition, a chemical reaction is the process in which one or more substances, called reactants, are transformed into one or more different substances, called products. Catalysts speed up this process by providing an alternative or less energetic pathway for reactants to convert into products. This optimized pathway has a lower activation energy than the uncatalyzed reaction, resulting in a lower rate of reaction.

Types of Catalysts

Catalysts can be divided into two main categories: homogeneous and heterogeneous. A homogenous catalyst is one that is dispersed in the same phase as the reactants. This means it can facilitate reactions in the single phase of a reaction mixture, such as a liquid or a gas. A heterogeneous catalyst, on the other hand, is found on the surface of a different phase than the reactants. This type of catalyst is usually composed of solid particles that are obtained from minerals, metals, or synthetic compounds. Heterogeneous catalysts are also used to speed up chemical reactions, such as oxidation, that would otherwise take much longer to complete.

To conclude, catalysts are incredibly important in many of the everyday items we use. By reducing the amount of energy required for a reaction to occur, they play an important role in a wide array of industries. From plastic production to fuel production, catalysts are indispensable. Without them, we would not have many of the products and materials that we rely on today.