What can inhibit the action of a catalyst?

The presence of inhibitors is a factor that can significantly inhibit the action of a catalyst. Inhibitors are substances that bind to a catalyst and reduce its activity. They may do this by altering the catalyst’s structure, blocking active sites, or competing with the reactants for the same binding sites. This results in a slower reaction rate or even a halted reaction, showcasing how crucial the catalyst's integrity and accessibility are to facilitating chemical reactions.

While temperature changes can affect the rate of reaction, they typically do not specifically inhibit the catalyst's function but rather can enhance or reduce its activity based on the optimal temperature range. Increasing reactant concentration tends to accelerate the reaction rate instead of inhibiting it, as more reactant molecules are available to interact with the catalyst. Adding more catalyst usually increases the reaction rate since it provides additional active sites for the reaction without being consumed in the process. Therefore, the role of inhibitors is unique in directly diminishing the effectiveness of the catalyst in a chemical reaction.