Temperature and pressure are fundamental variables in catalytic processes. The temperature affects the rate of the reaction and the stability of the catalyst. Higher temperatures generally increase reaction rates due to higher kinetic energy, but they can also lead to catalyst deactivation through sintering or coke formation. Conversely, lower temperatures may not provide sufficient energy to overcome activation barriers.
Pressure, especially in gas-phase reactions, influences the concentration of reactants and the rate of catalyst turnover. For example, in the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis, high pressure is necessary to achieve a desirable yield because it shifts the equilibrium towards the formation of ammonia.
