katalüütidel

Katalüütidel, more commonly 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 therefore be used in very small amounts.

There are two main types of catalysts: homogeneous and heterogeneous. Homogeneous catalysts exist in the same phase as the reactants, for example, a liquid catalyst in a liquid reaction mixture. Heterogeneous catalysts, on the other hand, are in a different phase from the reactants, such as a solid catalyst used in a gas-phase reaction.

Catalysts play a crucial role in many industrial processes, including the production of ammonia, sulfuric acid, and plastics. They are also essential in biological systems, where enzymes act as biological catalysts to facilitate biochemical reactions. The development of efficient and selective catalysts is a significant area of research in chemistry and materials science. Understanding the mechanism by which catalysts work is key to designing new and improved catalytic systems for a wide range of applications, from energy production to environmental remediation.