Catalysis is the process of modifying a chemical reaction with the use of a catalyst. This process only works with chemicals that have an existing reaction, and it is used to accelerate the reaction for commercial purposes. Catalysis occurs faster than a standard chemical reaction because catalysts require less activation energy, which is the minimum level of energy necessary to initiate a chemical reaction.
This blog post will outline the principle of catalysis and the different types.
Catalysis Working Principle
When a chemical is placed with a compatible catalyst, there is a reduction in the free energy required for the chemical to reach the transition state for that particular reaction. Catalysts can influence the reaction environment, depending on the specific reaction requirements.
For example, catalysts can produce more heat, form specific intermediates that are not created naturally, bind the reagents to polarize bonds or cause the dissociation of reactions back to their reactive forms.
Types of Catalysts
There are two main types of catalysts used for catalysis; heterogeneous or homogeneous. A heterogeneous catalyst has molecules that are not in the same phase as the reactants, whereas the molecules of a homogeneous catalyst are in the same phase as the reactants.
If you would like to learn more about the processes involved in catalysis research, read more at: What is TPR and How is it Performed?
Typically, a heterogeneous catalyst is solid, whereas the reactants are gaseous or liquid. The reactants are adsorbed on active sites on the surface of a heterogeneous catalyst, and an interaction occurs. This interaction causes the molecules to become more reactive.
An electrocatalyst is a heterogeneous catalyst that is employed specifically in fuel cell engineering to improve the properties and working of the fuel cell.
Homogeneous catalysts are in the same phase as the reactant, typically gas or liquid. The principles of the heterogeneous catalyst are usually applied to this type of catalysts.
Organocatalysis is a form of catalysis that can be performed using a homogeneous catalyst. Organocatalysis is the study of organic catalysts, which are small organic molecules.
Read More: Tools for Catalysis Research
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