Katalüüsija

Katalüüsija is the Estonian word for catalyst. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change. Catalysts work by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. This means that the reaction can proceed more quickly or at a lower temperature than it would otherwise.

There are many different types of catalysts, including homogeneous catalysts, which are in the same phase as the reactants, and heterogeneous catalysts, which are in a different phase. Enzymes are biological catalysts that are essential for many life processes. Catalysts are widely used in industry, for example, in the production of ammonia, sulfuric acid, and plastics. They are also used in many everyday applications, such as in catalytic converters in cars, which reduce harmful emissions.

The use of catalysts is crucial for making many chemical processes more efficient and environmentally friendly. By lowering energy requirements and increasing reaction speeds, catalysts can significantly reduce the overall impact of industrial production. The development of new and improved catalysts is an active area of scientific research.