Catalyst is a compound that can reduce the activation energy required for a reaction to reach a transition state, thereby increasing the reaction rate. Catalysts can be gases, liquids, or solids. They will not be consumed or undergo permanent chemical changes during the reaction process. Catalysts can be divided into two types based on whether the phases of the catalyst and reactants are the same. Homogeneous catalysts (usually liquid or gas) are catalysts that exist in the same phase as the reactants, while heterogeneous catalysts do not exist in the same phase as the reactants. Non homogeneous catalysts are usually solid compounds added to liquid or gas reaction mixtures, and their ability to accelerate reactions is related to collision theory. Heterogeneous catalysts can be directly separated from the reaction mixture, making them easy and efficient to recycle. However, once the catalyst surface is completely saturated with reactant molecules, the reaction cannot proceed until the product leaves the surface. This process limits the speed of catalytic reactions. Unlike heterogeneous catalysts, homogeneous catalysts are mixed into the reaction mixture, resulting in a very high degree of interaction between the catalyst and reactant molecules. However, homogeneous catalysts are often difficult to recover after the reaction is complete. Another advantage of homogeneous catalysts is that they can increase the reaction rate without raising the temperature.

Other types of catalysts include electrocatalysts, photocatalysts, biocatalysts, etc. Electrocatalysts are a special form of catalyst that participate in electrochemical reactions. Electrocatalysts can be heterogeneous or homogeneous. Photocatalysts use light to change the electronic state of the catalyst, thereby promoting chemical reactions. Both organic molecules and transition metal complexes can be successfully used as photocatalysts. Organic photocatalysts often undergo faster degradation during the photocatalytic process, so transition metal composites are more favored for pursuing high turnover rates.

Changsha Loongphoon provides high-quality catalysts to meet the catalytic needs of different reactions.