The choice of capping agent can significantly influence the catalytic activity of nanoparticles:
1. Electronic Effects: Capping agents can modify the electronic structure of the nanoparticle surface, affecting its interaction with reactants. 2. Steric Effects: The spatial arrangement of the capping agents can either hinder or facilitate the access of reactants to the active sites. 3. Desorption: In some cases, capping agents might need to desorb from the nanoparticle surface during the reaction to expose the active sites. This desorption is influenced by the binding strength of the capping agent.
