What are the Main Types of Catalysts Used in Industry?
There are two primary types of catalysts used in industrial processes:
Homogeneous catalysts: These catalysts are in the same phase as the reactants, usually in a liquid state. They are often used in processes like the hydroformylation of alkenes. Heterogeneous catalysts: These catalysts exist in a different phase than the reactants, typically as solids. They are widely used in processes such as the catalytic cracking of petroleum and the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis.