Advanced Functional Materials

Catalysis is a process in which the rate of a chemical reaction is increased by a catalyst, a substance that speeds up the reaction without being consumed in the process. Catalysts work by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, allowing the reaction to proceed more efficiently and at a faster rate.

Catalysts can be heterogeneous (existing in a different phase from the reactants, like a solid catalyst in a liquid reaction) or homogeneous (in the same phase as the reactants, like a catalyst dissolved in a solution). They are widely used in various industries, including chemical production, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and environmental applications (e.g., catalytic converters in cars to reduce harmful emissions).

Catalysis is crucial in green chemistry because it often allows for more energy-efficient reactions and reduces the need for high temperatures or hazardous chemicals.