Heterogeneous Catalysis: Introduction and Surface Reactivity

This lecture covers the fundamentals of heterogeneous catalysis, focusing on catalyst types, surface structures, and reactivity. It explains the role of catalysts in chemical reactions and the importance of surface properties. The instructor discusses the different types of catalysts, such as bulk and supported catalysts, and their structures. The lecture delves into the concept of surface energy and its impact on catalytic processes, including adsorption and reorganization. It also explores the crystal structures of metal catalysts and their surface interactions. The session concludes with a discussion on minimizing surface energy to enhance catalytic activity and the behavior of nanoparticles in catalysis.