Surface Catalysis

Surface catalysis occurs when a substance, called a catalyst, speeds up a chemical reaction by providing a surface where reactant molecules can attach more easily. On this surface, bonds are broken and formed more efficiently, lowering the energy needed for the reaction to occur. This process doesn't change the catalyst itself, which can be reused. Surface catalysis is essential in many industrial processes, such as refining fuels and producing chemicals, because it makes reactions faster and more efficient without requiring excessive energy or harsh conditions.