Catalysts function by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, allowing reactions to proceed more quickly and efficiently at lower temperatures. In pollution control, catalysts are used to convert harmful pollutants into less toxic or harmless substances. For example, catalytic converters in automobiles convert carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and nitrogen (N2).
