Catalysts function by interacting with the reactants to form intermediate complexes. These intermediates are usually more reactive than the original reactants, facilitating the transformation to the final products. The key steps often include adsorption, reaction, and desorption.
1. Adsorption: Reactants bind to the surface of the catalyst. In heterogeneous catalysis, this could involve physical or chemical adsorption onto the catalyst's surface. 2. Reaction: The adsorbed species undergo a series of chemical transformations. This can involve bond breaking and formation, electron transfer, or rearrangement of atoms. 3. Desorption: The final products are released from the catalyst surface, allowing the catalyst to be reused in subsequent reaction cycles.
