3. Energy Changes and Rates of Reactions - Catalysts and Reaction Efficiency

The article I chose to research for the third unit, Energy Changes and Rates of Reactions, goes into depth about catalysts and their connection to thermal reactions. While they do positively impact thermal reactions, they have an extremely negative effect on the environment and the amount of energy used by industries. It began with a simple question: how can catalysts be designed in a way that uses less energy and makes them less harsh on the environment? To successfully answer their research question, they took data from different studies and analyzed the two main types of catalysts (homogeneous and heterogeneous) and saw specifically how well they each did with less energy, and how long they took to break down. Their key findings included heterogeneous catalysts responding well, which is the reasoning behind their conclusion that they are the best for high-temperature industrial jobs. These findings are extremely significant to catalysis because, as previously mentioned, catalysts do not have great effects on the environment, but are crucial in speeding up reactions. These findings create a better outcome with the use of catalysts. These topics are all highly relevant to our Energy Changes and Rates of Reactions unit, for example, catalysts speeding up reactions. We focused on this idea for several classes and really became familiar with the concept. To continue, when it comes to catalysts speeding up reactions, we know this means the frequency of collisions is increasing. Relating to the collision theory, without these particles crashing with each other, a reaction will not occur. Therefore, by using a catalyst, particles crash into each other faster, enabling a reaction faster. 

Nor, W., & Al-Amiery, A. (2024). Catalysts driving efficiency and

    innovation in thermal reactions: A comprehensive review. Green

    Technologies and Sustainability, 2(2), 100078–100078.        

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.grets.2024.100078

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