What is heterogeneous catalysis ? What role does adsorption play in heterogeneous catalysis ?

Explanation

The phenomenon of adsorption plays important role in heterogeneous catalysis.
1. Adsorption increases the concentration of reactant on the surface of the catalyst. Due to increased concentration of the reactants, the reactions proceed rapidly.
2. Adsorbed molecules get dissociated to form active species like free radicals which react faster than molecules.
3. The adsorbed molecules are not free to move about and, therefore, they collide with other molecules on the surface.
4. The heat of adsorption evolved acts as energy of activation for the reaction.