Catalysts in industry

What are Catalysts

A catalyst is a substance which speeds up a chemical reaction. They typically speed up a reaction by reducing the amount of energy required to start a reaction. You will end up using them in your everyday life, most of the time without even realising! They are useful in a wide range of things, for example they can be used to turn petroleum into plastic milk jugs, CDs and bicycle helmets.1

Why So Many?

There are many catalysts because each reaction requires a unique catalyst. For example, amylase is a biological catalyst known as an enzyme. It breaks down complex carbohydrates but it cannot break down the fats which lipase does. Scientists do not currently know what most catalysts do to make them work, other than the fact that most reduce the temperature required to initiate a reaction.

Advantages

One of the biggest advantages of using catalysts is reducing energy usage. Because of the reduction in energy required to start a reaction, companies have to spend less money on energy. With a reduction in energy, also comes a green side effect, not burning as many fossil fuels. They also reduce the time needed to produce product, even thought using a catalyst doesn't increase the product produced, it still means they can create more product in the time given.

Disadvantages

With such a great thing, there had to be some disadvantages. Catalysts are not an exeption. With their high expense and toxic nature, they are not viable for all situations. Catalyst can also be effected by impurities, stoping them for working eficiently or at all.2

Examples of catalysts in industry

Catalysts can be used at industrial scale to save lots of money. Nickle is a great example, it is cheap, and doen't react with anything as it is a noble metal meaning it has a full outer electron ring. It is used to speed up the production of synthesis gas, which is a fuel source. Another example is vandium. It is used to help create sulfuric acid. It is not perfect as impurities such as flurides, carbon monoxide, arsenic, and chlorides can cause problems with the end product.3
Sources
  1. Argon National Labratory
  2. Byjus Online School
  3. Noah Chemicals