Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between a catalyst and a promoter is the mechanism by which they affect a chemical reaction. A catalyst speeds up a chemical reaction by providing an alternative pathway for the reactants to follow that has a lower activation energy. A promoter, on the other hand, influences the rate of a chemical reaction by changing the adsorption and desorption of reactants on the surface of a catalyst.
Another difference between a catalyst and a promoter is the extent of their effect on the reaction rate. A catalyst generally has a much greater impact on the rate of a chemical reaction than a promoter. For example, a catalyst might increase the rate of a reaction by a factor of 10^6 or more, while a promoter might only increase the rate by a factor of 10 or 100.
Examples:
Platinum is a common catalyst used in the process of catalytic converter, which is used to reduce the emissions of harmful gases from automobile exhaust.
Alumina (aluminum oxide) is often used as a promoter in the production of synthetic fuels from coal or natural gas. The alumina helps to increase the rate at which the reactants are converted to the desired product, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective process.