Catalysts

What is a catalyst?
It is a substance that provides an alternate reaction pathway
with lower activation energy. It does not get used up in the
reaction.
Types of Catalysts:
1. Heterogeneous - Catalysts are in a different state/phase to
the reactants and products.
2. Homogenous Catalysts are in the same state/phase as
the products and reactants.
How do heterogeneous catalysts work?
1. Reactants are adsorbed onto the surface (at active sites)
2. The reaction happens on the surface of the catalyst, either
due to:
Adsorption causing the reactants to be closer together
Adsorption causing some of the bonds in the molecule to
be weakened, making the reaction easier
Adsorption positioning the molecule in a favourable
orientation for the reaction to take place
3. The products then desorb from the surface of the catalyst
when the reaction is over.
Adsorption must be just the right strength to work effectively, it
cannot be too weak or too strong.

Surface catalysts are highly specific and only work for certain
reactions.
Catalysts are more effective if their surface area is increased,
this means using less amount of catalysts as well which is
economical as catalysts are often expensive.
Catalysts can also be poisoned when substances adhere
strongly to the active sites and block them, this could cause
them to be inactive and useless.
How does a homogeneous catalyst work?
It works by forming a transition state with the reactants, to form
the products. It is then regenerated when the product is made.
Transition metals are often used as catalysts because they
have variable oxidation states.
A major advantage of using heterogeneous catalysts over
homogenous catalysts is that they can easily be filtered and
removed from the mixture as they are in a different phase, so
no extra energy is needed to separate them. This is why
industries prefer to use them.