Question

Which types of metals make the most efficient catalysts?

Answer 1

Catalysts: A catalyst is a substance that affects the rate of reaction without taking part in the chemical reaction.

Identify the metals which make the most effective catalyst:

• Transition metals can form unstable intermediate products with suitable reactants. These intermediate products lower the activation energy of the reaction which makes the reaction faster. So, transition elements are the most efficient catalysts.

Reason:

1. Variable oxidation state: Transition metals show a variable oxidation state due to the small energy difference between the valence and penultimate shell of transition metals.
2. Large Surface area: Transition metals provide a large surface area where these reactants can adsorb and when they are absorbed these reactants form weak metal bonds and a reaction happens.