What does the effect of a catalyst depend on?

The effect of a catalyst depends on its ability to provide an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. The effectiveness of a catalyst is influenced by its specific interaction with reactant molecules, promoting the formation of the transition state and facilitating the conversion of reactants into products. The catalyst’s chemical nature, surface structure, and the mechanism of its interaction with reactants are crucial factors. Additionally, reaction conditions, such as temperature and pressure, can impact the catalyst’s performance. A well-designed catalyst enhances reaction efficiency by increasing the rate of successful collisions and reducing the overall activation energy for the reaction.