Katalizasyon

Katalizasyon is a process that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change. The substance that increases the rate of reaction is called a catalyst. Catalysts work by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. This means that less energy is required for the reaction to occur, and therefore, the reaction proceeds faster. Catalysts can be homogeneous or heterogeneous. In homogeneous catalysis, the catalyst is in the same phase as the reactants, such as a liquid catalyst in a liquid reaction. In heterogeneous catalysis, the catalyst is in a different phase from the reactants, for example, a solid catalyst used in a gas-phase reaction. Many industrial processes rely on catalysis, including the production of ammonia, sulfuric acid, and plastics. Enzymes are biological catalysts that play crucial roles in living organisms, facilitating biochemical reactions essential for life. The study and application of catalysis are vital fields in chemistry and chemical engineering.