The design of bio-inspired catalysts involves several strategies:
- Mimicking Enzyme Active Sites: By replicating the active sites of enzymes, scientists can create catalysts that perform specific functions with high precision. - Hierarchical Structures: Nature often utilizes hierarchical structures to enhance function. By emulating these, bio-inspired catalysts can achieve improved performance. - Functional Groups: Incorporating specific functional groups or motifs found in natural catalysts can enhance the activity and selectivity of synthetic catalysts. - Self-Assembly: Many biological systems self-assemble into functional structures. This principle is used to create complex catalytic materials from simpler building blocks.
