Katalüüsereid

Katalüüsereid, also known as catalysts, are substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change. They achieve this by providing an alternative reaction pathway that has a lower activation energy. Catalysts are not consumed in the reaction and can be used in small amounts to facilitate large quantities of product formation. They are ubiquitous in nature and industry.

In biological systems, naturally occurring catalysts are called enzymes, which are complex protein molecules that accelerate biochemical reactions essential for life. Industrial applications of catalysts are vast and include processes like the synthesis of ammonia for fertilizers, the production of plastics, the refining of petroleum, and the reduction of pollutants from vehicle exhaust.

Catalysts can be homogeneous or heterogeneous. Homogeneous catalysts exist in the same phase as the reactants, often dissolved in the same solvent. Heterogeneous catalysts, on the other hand, exist in a different phase from the reactants, typically as a solid catalyst with gaseous or liquid reactants. The mechanism by which a catalyst works involves adsorption of reactants onto its surface, formation of intermediate species, and desorption of products.

The development of new and more efficient catalysts is a significant area of research in chemistry and materials science, aiming to improve sustainability, reduce energy consumption, and develop novel chemical processes.