The presence of a catalyst in a heterogeneous catalytic reaction significantly affects the rate of the reaction by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. This allows the reaction to proceed more quickly, increasing the reaction rate without being consumed in the process. Heterogeneous catalysis involves a catalyst in a different phase usually solid than the reactants usually gases or liquids .The properties of the catalyst material play a crucial role in determining its efficacy in promoting a specific reaction. Some of the key properties that influence the catalyst's effectiveness include:1. Surface area: A larger surface area provides more active sites for the reactants to interact with the catalyst, increasing the probability of successful collisions and thus enhancing the reaction rate.2. Porosity: A porous catalyst allows for better diffusion of reactants and products, facilitating their access to the active sites and improving the overall reaction rate.3. Chemical composition: The chemical composition of the catalyst determines its ability to adsorb reactants, lower the activation energy, and desorb products. The choice of catalyst material depends on the specific reaction being catalyzed, as different materials may be more effective for different reactions.4. Electronic properties: The electronic properties of the catalyst, such as its ability to donate or accept electrons, can influence the reaction mechanism and the strength of the interactions between the catalyst and the reactants.5. Crystal structure and morphology: The arrangement of atoms in the catalyst and its overall shape can affect the availability and accessibility of active sites, as well as the stability of reaction intermediates.6. Stability: A good catalyst should be stable under the reaction conditions and resistant to deactivation, such as sintering, poisoning, or coking.In summary, the presence of a catalyst in a heterogeneous catalytic reaction can significantly increase the reaction rate by providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy. The properties of the catalyst material, such as surface area, porosity, chemical composition, electronic properties, crystal structure, and stability, all influence its efficacy in promoting the desired reaction.