A Review of Mass Transfer Controlling the Reaction Rate in Heterogeneous Catalytic Systems

Abstract

Mass transfer limitations play an important role on the rate of reaction; the rate of\rconversion and product formation, including in the catalytic systems. In a homogeneous\rcatalytic reaction in which all substances (reactant(s), product(s), and catalyst) are in the\rsame phase, the effect of mass transfer between phases is mostly negligible. In a\rheterogeneous catalytic reaction; however, the catalyst is usually in a different phase from\rthe reactant(s). Commonly the catalyst is in the solid phase embedded in the reacting species\rwhich usually are in the liquid or gaseous phase. Consequently, the reaction rate is\rprincipally relied on the mass transfer or diffusion between these phases.