What is the Role of Chemical Composition in Catalysis?
The chemical composition of a catalyst significantly influences its performance. This includes the types of atoms and their spatial arrangement. For example, transition metals like platinum and palladium are commonly used in catalytic converters because of their ability to facilitate redox reactions. Additionally, the presence of promoters and inhibitors can modify the activity and selectivity of a catalyst. For instance, adding small amounts of alkali metals can enhance the performance of certain catalysts by modifying their electronic properties.
