What is the role of adsorption in heterogeneous catalysis?
A heterogenous catalyst is used to increase the rate of reaction in which the catalyst is not in phase with reactants and products. Gaseous molecules get adsorbed on the surface of the catalyst. These adsorbed molecules then dissociate, resulting in the formation of active species which are more susceptible to reaction. Due to the high concentration of reactants, it easily combines with other reactants or active species completing the chemical reaction. After the chemical reaction has taken place, products are desorbed from the surface. New molecules can then occupy the freed-up space.