Catalysis

A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the overall process. It works by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy (Ea). This is one of the most practically important concepts in chemistry — from industrial manufacturing to biological systems, catalysts are everywhere.

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How Catalysts Work

Without a catalyst, reactant molecules must overcome the full activation energy barrier. A catalyst creates a different pathway — typically involving the formation of an intermediate species — that has a lower energy barrier. Since more particles now have energy ≥ Ea, the rate increases.

Key characteristics of all catalysts: