Explain how the phenomenon of adsorption finds application in each of the following processes: Heterogeneous catalysis
Dear student,
Adsorption is actually the first step of heterogeneous catalysis. The process of adsorbate binding to the adsorbent is called adsorption. In terms of catalysis, the catalyst is the adsorbate and the supporting substance is adsorbent.
Two specific types of adsorption takes place,
Physisorption- The adsorbate is attracted to the surface by vanderwaal forces.
Chemisorption- The adsorbate is attracted via bond formation.
In heterogeneous catalysis, the reactants diffusse to the catalyst surface and adsorb onto it, via the formation of chemical bonds. After reaction, the products desorb from the surface and diffuse away.
For example,
In Habers process for manufacture of ammonia,
Iron oxide or Alumina(Al2O3) is used as a catalyst.
In contact process for manufacture of sulphuric acid,
Vanadium oxide is used as a catalyst.
Hope this helps,
Regards
Adsorption is actually the first step of heterogeneous catalysis. The process of adsorbate binding to the adsorbent is called adsorption. In terms of catalysis, the catalyst is the adsorbate and the supporting substance is adsorbent.
Two specific types of adsorption takes place,
Physisorption- The adsorbate is attracted to the surface by vanderwaal forces.
Chemisorption- The adsorbate is attracted via bond formation.
In heterogeneous catalysis, the reactants diffusse to the catalyst surface and adsorb onto it, via the formation of chemical bonds. After reaction, the products desorb from the surface and diffuse away.
For example,
In Habers process for manufacture of ammonia,
Iron oxide or Alumina(Al2O3) is used as a catalyst.
In contact process for manufacture of sulphuric acid,
Vanadium oxide is used as a catalyst.
Hope this helps,
Regards