a method of performing chemical reactions with enhanced catalytic activity of a solid body by creating plastic deformations in the surface of the catalyst contacted by the reacting materials . the body of catalytic material is fixedly attached to a substrate or base material capable of being deformed by an electrical or magnetic field . a field is applied of sufficient intensity and proper orientation to deform the base material to an extent producing plastic deformation of the attached catalyst , thereby creating defects in the exposed surface thereof .