How is surface chemistry important in catalysis?

Here’s a explanation:

Importance of Surface Chemistry in Catalysis

1. Catalysts Work at Surfaces
   • Reactions often happen on the surface of solid catalysts, not inside them.
   • Surface chemistry explains how reactants adsorb, react, and desorb.
2. Adsorption of Reactants
   • Reactant molecules stick to the catalyst surface (adsorption), increasing their concentration at the reaction site.
3. Activation of Molecules
   • Surface interactions weaken bonds in reactants, making reactions faster.
4. Formation of Products
   • After reaction, products leave the surface (desorption), freeing the catalyst for reuse.

Examples:

• Haber process: Nitrogen and hydrogen react on iron catalyst surfaces.
• Catalytic converters: CO and NOx react on platinum/palladium surfaces.

Simple tip:

• Surface chemistry → reactants stick to surface → react faster → products leave → catalyst reusable