Catalytic reactions on solid surfaces

The complexity and inhomogenicity of catalytic sites of metals and metal oxides make it difficult to interpret the mechanism of catalytic reactions on solid surfaces. Investigations that may lead to a better characterization of adsorbed species on catalytic sites could add much to our understanding of heterogeneous catalysis. 

In Chapter 7 we considered catalytic reactions on solid surfaces and foimd that transport steps are essential in describing these reactions because mass transfer of reactants and products between phases must accompany reaction. In this chapter we consider the reactions of solids in which the solid enters the stoichiometry of the reaction as a reactant or product or both. We remark that the texts of Levenspiel give excellent and thorough descriptions of the reactions of solids, and we will only summarize some of the features of reactions involving solids here. 

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