Catalysis

In chemistry and biology, catalysis is the acceleration of the reaction rate of a chemical reaction by means of a substance, called a catalyst, that is itself unchanged chemically by the overall reaction. The word is derived from the Greek noun κατάλυσις, related to the verb καταλύειν, meaning to annul or to untie or to pick up. The chinese symbol for catalyst is the same as the one for marriage broker.

Important catalytic processes

• Haber process
• Steam reforming of hydrocarbons to produce synthesis gas
• Methanol synthesis
• Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.
• Hydrogenation
• Sulfuric acid production
• Nitric acid production
• Petroleum refining and processing
• Catalytic cracking - breaking long-chain hydrocarbons into smaller pieces
• Naphtha reforming
• Alkylation
• Fuel cells
• Transesterification
• Acid-base catalysis