Final answer:
Heterogeneous catalysis involves adsorption, activation, reaction, and desorption processes. Examples include the interaction of hydrogen gas with a metal surface and the production of ammonia, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and methanol.
Step-by-step explanation:
Heterogeneous catalysis involves several processes:
- Adsorption of the reactant(s) onto the surface of the catalyst.
- Activation of the adsorbed reactant(s).
- Reaction of the adsorbed reactant(s).
- Desorption of product(s) from the surface of the catalyst.
An example of heterogeneous catalysis is the interaction of hydrogen gas with the surface of a metal, such as Ni, Pd, or Pt. The adsorbed hydrogen atoms on the metal surface are more reactive than a hydrogen molecule, allowing for lower energy barriers for reactions to occur. Several important examples of industrial heterogeneous catalytic reactions include the production of ammonia, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and methanol.