Heterogeneous catalysis:
In this type of catalysis, phase of the catalyst and the reactants are different (e.g., the catalyst is a solid while the reactants are in the gas phase). For example
- The reaction between nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide over a platinum catalyst to produce nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
points of heterogenious catalysis
some important points of heterogeneous catalysis are given below:
- Heterogeneous catalysis occurs when the catalyst and reactants are in different phases, such as
- a solid catalyst
- and gaseous or liquid reactants.
- The catalyst is commonly a solid, which gives a large surface area for the reactants to react with the catalyst.
- Heterogeneous catalysts operate by adsorbing reactant molecules onto the surface of the catalyst, where they can interact and form products.
- The adsorption of reactants onto the catalyst surface often comprises of weak chemical bonds, such as
- van der Waals forces
- or hydrogen bonding.
- Heterogeneous catalysis is broadly used in the chemical industry for large-scale production of
- Chemicals
- Fuels
- and materials, such as ammonia synthesis and catalytic cracking of petroleum.
- Examples of heterogeneous catalysts include
- metal oxides
- zeolite
- and supported metal nanoparticles.
- Heterogeneous catalysis can be more secure and reusable than homogeneous catalysis, as the catalyst can be easily segregated from the reaction mixture and regenerated.
- Heterogeneous catalysis can also be used to
- reduce environmental pollution by converting harmful pollutants into less harmful substances, such as the conversion of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides in car exhaust into carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas.
Note:
Each type of catalytic reaction has its own special features and usages, and realizing these different types is significant for
- Designing
- and optimizing chemical processes.