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Heterogeneous Catalysis

Heterogeneous Catalysis

Heterogeneous catalysis involves a catalyst in a different phase from the reactants. It is a process where the catalyst and the reactants are in distinct phases, typically solid and gas or liquid.Most heterogeneous catalysts are metals, metal oxides, or acids. The list includes transition metals like iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), tungsten (W), silver (Ag), and copper (Cu). These metals possess partially vacant d orbitals that...

Catalysis

Catalysis

The presence of a catalyst affects the rate of a chemical reaction. A catalyst is a substance that can increase the reaction rate without being consumed during the process. A basic comprehension of a catalysts’ role during chemical reactions can be understood from the concept of reaction mechanisms and energy diagrams.

Catalysis

Catalysis

Catalysis influences the rate of chemical reactions by providing an alternative reaction pathway with lower activation energy. A catalyst speeds up a reaction, but it is not consumed during the process. The fundamental principle of catalysis is the ability of a catalyst to alter the reaction mechanism, often introducing a more efficient pathway than the uncatalyzed process.In a catalyzed reaction, the catalyst participates directly in the reaction mechanism. It interacts with reactants to form...

Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis

Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis

For many years, scientists thought that enzyme-substrate binding took place in a simple "lock-and-key" fashion. This model stated that the enzyme and substrate fit together perfectly in one instantaneous step. However, current research supports a more refined view scientists call induced fit. The induced-fit model expands upon the lock-and-key model by describing a more dynamic interaction between enzyme and substrate. As the enzyme and substrate come together, their interaction causes a mild...

Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis

Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis

For many years, scientists thought that enzyme-substrate binding took place in a simple "lock-and-key" fashion. This model stated that the enzyme and substrate fit together perfectly in one instantaneous step. However, current research supports a more refined view scientists call induced fit. The induced-fit model expands upon the lock-and-key model by describing a more dynamic interaction between enzyme and substrate. As the enzyme and substrate come together, their interaction causes a mild...

Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation

Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation

Catalytic hydrogenation of alkenes is a transition-metal catalyzed reduction of the double bond using molecular hydrogen to give alkanes. The mode of hydrogen addition follows syn stereochemistry.
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Multiscale Sampling of a Heterogeneous Water/Metal Catalyst Interface using Density Functional Theory and Force-Field Molecular Dynamics

Multiscale Sampling of a Heterogeneous Water/Metal Catalyst Interface using Density Functional Theory and Force-Field Molecular Dynamics

Published on: April 12, 2019

Model catalysts: simulating the complexities of heterogeneous catalysts.

Feng Gao¹, D Wayne Goodman

¹Chemical and Materials Science Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, USA. feng.gao@pnnl.gov

Annual Review of Physical Chemistry

|January 17, 2012

Summary

Surface-science studies advance heterogeneous catalysis by revealing how surface structure impacts reactivity. Model systems using metal clusters on oxides enable detailed investigations under realistic conditions.

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Area of Science:

Surface Science
Heterogeneous Catalysis
Materials Science

Background:

Surface science investigations have significantly advanced heterogeneous catalysis over decades.
Fundamental studies on metal single crystals elucidate the role of surface structure in catalyst reactivity and selectivity.
Model systems with metal clusters on oxide supports allow for studying metal particle-size and support effects.

Purpose of the Study:

To understand the effect of surface structure on catalyst reactivity and selectivity.
To investigate metal particle-size and support effects using model systems.
To bridge the gap between model catalysts and real-world catalysts.

Main Methods:

Surface-science characterization techniques.
Kinetic investigations on model systems.
Spectroscopic analysis under realistic pressures and temperatures.

Main Results:

Elucidation of structure-reactivity relationships in heterogeneous catalysis.
Insights into metal particle-size and support effects on catalytic performance.
Development of model systems amenable to realistic working conditions.

Conclusions:

Combining surface science and kinetic measurements advances molecular-level understanding of heterogeneous catalysis.
Model systems are crucial for bridging the gap between fundamental studies and industrial applications.
Continued research narrows the pressure and material gap between model and real-world catalysts.