Scientists recalculate the optimum binding energy for heterogeneous catalysis

Determining the optimal binding energies for heterogeneous chemical reactions—usually meaning that the reactant is in the gas or liquid phase while the catalyst is a solid—is critical for many aspects of modern society, as we rely on such reactions for processes as diverse as the production of fertilizers and plastics. There is an optimal binding energy—meaning the degree of interaction between the reactants and the catalyst—where the process is most efficient (if it is too low, the reactants will not react with the catalyst, and if it is too high they will remain bound to it), and catalysts are designed based on this.