How Can Low Conductivity be Addressed in Catalysis?
There are several strategies to overcome the challenges posed by low conductivity in catalysts:
1. Material Engineering: Developing composite materials that combine conductive elements with the catalytic material can enhance conductivity. For instance, incorporating carbon-based materials like graphene or carbon nanotubes can improve both electrical and thermal conductivity.
2. Support Structures: Using conductive supports for the catalyst can help mitigate low conductivity issues. For example, depositing catalytic nanoparticles on conductive supports such as metal foams can enhance overall conductivity.
3. Nanostructuring: Engineering the catalyst at the nanoscale can improve its conductivity. Nanostructuring can create pathways that facilitate electron and heat transfer, thus enhancing the catalytic performance.