CATALYST

Catalysts are solid, liquid or gaseous substances that accelerate chemical reactions. They are not consumed in the process and do not alter the final product.

Caution! Shortcut!

A catalyst opens up an alternative to the usual reaction pathway, a kind of abbreviation. It requires less energy – thus leading faster to the finish.

Where do you find Catalysts?

Nature

Functions and processes in all living organisms are controlled by catalysts, mostly by so-called enzymes. They also help to produce beer, vitamins and hormones.

Industry

Chemical or biocatalysts can be used to produce plastics, fertilisers, medicines and fuels. Over 80% of all chemical industry processes use catalysts, often reducings costs in doing s

Energy production

Catalysts are important for the energy transition. They help to store and release excess electricity from solar orwind power plants as hydrogen.

Environmentally Friendly

Using less energy means protecting the environment. Catalysts also help purify car and industrial exhaust gases and wastewater and reduce undesirable by-products.

This text is published in the effzett issue 2-20. Illustrations: Diana Köhne

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