Heterogeneous Catalysis

Heterogeneous catalysis is a process where a catalyst, which speeds up a chemical reaction, exists in a different phase than the reactants. Typically, the catalyst is a solid, while the reactants are gases or liquids. This setup allows the reaction to occur more efficiently because the reactants can easily interact with the catalyst's surface. A common example is catalytic converters in cars, where solid catalysts help convert harmful gases from engine exhaust into less harmful substances. This approach is vital in various industries for producing chemicals and reducing pollution.