It was Jacob Berzelius who coined the term catalysts in 1835. While it was Johann Wolfgang who first discovered that catalysts can be used in lighters that was commercially successful in 1820s.
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Jöns Jacob Berzelius, a Swedish chemist, is credited with discovering catalysts in the early 19th century. He observed that certain substances could speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
The two important classes of catalysts are homogeneous catalysts, which are in the same phase as the reactants, and heterogeneous catalysts, which are in a different phase from the reactants. Each class has its own advantages and applications depending on the specific reaction and conditions.
Catalysts
Catalysts are substances that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, allowing it to proceed more quickly. Catalysts do not affect the overall thermodynamics of a reaction, only the rate at which it reaches equilibrium.
catalysts. These substances work by providing an alternative pathway for the reaction to occur more rapidly, lowering the activation energy needed for the reaction to proceed. Catalysts do not undergo permanent changes in their chemical composition during the reaction.
The human body contains thousands of different catalysts, known as enzymes, that help speed up chemical reactions within the body. These catalysts play crucial roles in processes such as digestion, metabolism, and energy production.