The following reaction uses palladium, Pd, as a catalyst:
CO₂ (g) + H₂O (l) --> H₂CO₃(l)
When palladium is absent, the reaction produces little product, even at long times. How does palladium influence the reaction?
a. The palladium reacts with the water.
b. The palladium lowers the activation energy.
c. The palladium purifies the carbon dioxide.
d. The palladium increases the reaction temperature.