Several types of bonds can be involved in catalytic processes:
1. Covalent Bonds: These are strong bonds formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms. In catalysis, covalent bonding can occur between the catalyst and the substrate, particularly in organometallic catalysts.
2. Ionic Bonds: These are formed by the electrostatic attraction between ions. Ionic bonding can occur in zeolites and other solid acid catalysts.
3. Metallic Bonds: These involve the sharing of free electrons among a lattice of metal atoms. Metallic bonding is crucial in heterogeneous catalysis involving metal surfaces, such as platinum or palladium catalysts.
4. Van der Waals Forces: These weak interactions are significant in physisorption processes where the reactants are adsorbed onto the catalyst surface.
