Base catalysts are substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction by providing a basic environment. They often facilitate reactions such as deprotonation, where a hydrogen ion is removed from a molecule, making it more reactive. Common examples of base catalysts include sodium hydroxide and potassium carbonate. These catalysts are widely used in various industrial processes, including the production of biodiesel and the synthesis of organic compounds. By lowering the activation energy required for reactions, base catalysts help improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption in chemical manufacturing.