ABSTRACT
“Heterogeneous catalysis” is a condition in which the reaction takes place in different phases. The term “phase” refers to solid, liquid, gas, or immiscible liquids like oil and water. In most cases, the catalyst is solid, while the reactants are gases or liquids. Metals, metal oxides, metal salts, and organic compounds such as organic hydroperoxides, ion exchangers, and enzymes are examples of common heterogeneous catalysts. Heterogeneous catalysis encompasses a broad spectrum of systems for the production of materials, chemicals, and fuels. With this in mind, this chapter briefly describes the advent of heterogeneous catalysis, its comparison with other types of catalyst systems, some mechanistic insight into catalysis, and methods employed for characterization.
