Examples of industrially important catalysts

Thermodynamics of the water-gas shift and steam reforming reactions 

These two reactions, which have been in industrial use for many decades, have equilibrium constants (Table 4.2) where it can be seen that the equilibrium 

It will be observed that copper, which is easily oxidized or halogenated, is restricted as a catalyst to reactions where the oxygen potential is low, as in CO/CO2 mixtures containing an excess of CO. 

Iron or Cobalt Hydrogenation of CO and C02 to form hydrocarbons (Fischer-Tropsch synthesis) 

These elements can only be used at low oxygen potentials. 

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