What is a catalysis and catalyst and how do catalysts work?

Catalysis is the process by which the rate of a chemical reaction is altered by the presence of a substance called a catalyst. There are two types of catalyst: positive catalysts which increase the rate of a chemical reaction and negative catalysts which decrease the rate of a chemical reaction. airway only discussed the positive catalyst which is most commonly used in industries.

Catalysts work by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, which allows the reaction to proceed more quickly and efficiently. Catalysts are often used in industrial processes to increase the yield of a desired product or to convert one substance into another.

There are two main types of catalysts: homogeneous catalysts, which are in the same phase as the reactants, and heterogeneous catalysts, which are in a different phase from the reactants. Homogeneous catalysts are typically in solution with the reactants, while heterogeneous catalysts are usually solids that are suspended in the reactants.

Catalysts can be made from a wide variety of materials, including metals, metal oxides, and enzymes. The choice of catalyst depends on the specific reaction being catalyzed and the conditions under which the reaction is occurring. In some cases, a catalyst can be used to selectively promote one reaction over another, making it an important tool for chemical synthesis.

In general, catalysts are highly specific and are only effective for a particular type of reaction or group of reactions. They do not undergo any permanent chemical change during the course of the reaction and can be recovered and reused after the reaction is complete.

There are many factors that can influence the activity of a catalyst, including the nature of the reactants, the temperature and pressure of the reaction, and the presence of other substances. Catalysts can also be deactivated over time due to various factors, such as poisoning by impurities or the accumulation of reaction byproducts.