Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

Catalytic kinetics is a means to understand the rate at which reactions take place in the presence of a catalyst, along with the variables that influence such a rate. Knowledge of catalytic kinetics helps enhance catalyst performance during a reaction, improves reaction efficiency, and supports the creation of sustainable chemical processes. This session introduces the main concepts of catalytic reaction kinetics and their applications in improving chemical reactions.

Kinetics is the study of the rate at which chemical reactions occur, examining how variables such as temperature, pressure, concentration, and the presence of a catalyst affect reaction rates. Catalytic reactions involve complex sequences of steps to convert reactants into products. By studying these sequences in detail, scientists can identify the slower steps and determine the conditions that make each reaction faster and more selective.

Catalysts lower the activation energy required for a reaction, allowing reactants to reach the transition state more easily. Understanding the kinetics of catalytic reactions enables researchers to outline the most efficient pathway, allowing them to design catalysts that maximize productivity while minimizing energy input. This is especially important in industries like renewable energy, where many catalytic reactions play a role in fuel production, energy storage, and emissions reduction.

Catalytic reaction kinetics is also crucial in environmental applications. For example, understanding the reaction kinetics of automobile catalytic converters is essential for optimizing the conversion of harmful carbon monoxide into less harmful species. Kinetic studies enable the design of catalysts that perform effectively under real operational conditions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.