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In simple terms, catalysis is the use of a substance (a "catalyst") that increases the rate of a reaction without modifying the overall standard Gibbs energy change in the reaction.

According to the IUPAC Gold Book:

catalyst
Also contains definitions of: heterogeneous catalysis, homogeneous catalysis

A substance that increases the rate of a reaction without modifying the overall standard Gibbs energy change in the reaction; the process is called catalysis. The catalyst is both a reactant and product of the reaction. The words catalyst and catalysis should not be used when the added substance reduces the rate of reaction (see inhibitor ). Catalysis can be classified as homogeneous catalysis, in which only one phase is involved, and heterogeneous catalysis, in which the reaction occurs at or near an interface between phases. Catalysis brought about by one of the products of a reaction is called autocatalysis. Catalysis brought about by a group on a reactant molecule itself is called intramolecular catalysis. The term catalysis is also often used when the substance is consumed in the reaction (for example: base-catalysed hydrolysis of esters). Strictly, such a substance should be called an activator.

There are several journals dedicated to catalysis:

• ACS Catalysis
• Catalysis today
• Journal of Catalysis
• Catalysis letters.
• Catalysis Science & Technology
• Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis