Common catalysts include metal catalysts, acid-base catalysts, biocatalysts, and nanocatalysts. Metal catalysts such as platinum and palladium are commonly used in hydrogenation reactions; acid-base catalysts such as aluminosilicates are widely used in petroleum cracking; biocatalysts are mainly enzymes; and nanocatalysts possess high catalytic efficiency due to their high specific surface area.
In reactions, they lower the activation energy, allowing reactions to proceed efficiently at lower temperatures and pressures, thus saving energy and costs. Catalysts are widely used in various industries such as chemical engineering, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, and environmental protection. For example, in petroleum refining, catalysts are used to crack heavy oil to produce light fuels; in automotive exhaust treatment, catalysts help convert harmful gases into harmless substances. Catalyst selection is usually based on the reaction type, temperature and pressure conditions, and desired product characteristics. When using catalysts, attention must be paid to their activity, selectivity, and stability, as well as potential poisoning or deactivation issues.
