Catalystsspeed up a chemical reaction by lowering the amount of energy you need to get one going. Catalysis is the backbone of many industrial processes, which use chemical reactions to turn raw materials into useful products. Catalysts are integral in making plastics and many other manufactured items.
The usefulness of catalysts in the industrial world is vital. Catalysts make chemical production processes safer, easier, and faster. They accomplish this by regulating the activation energy required to start chemical reactions. These are all important to industries as it makes production rates faster.
ADVANTAGES
Less energy used Reusable Lowers production costs - can be used at low temps Required in small amounts
DISADVANTAGES
Can be toxic Expensive Can be poisoned by waste products.
