How Do Different Crystal Structures Affect Catalytic Activity?
Different crystal structures can expose various facets, edges, and corners that have unique catalytic properties. For example, in metals like platinum, the (111) and (100) facets have different atomic arrangements and surface energies, leading to varying catalytic activities. Similarly, metal oxides like titanium dioxide can exist in different crystal phases (anatase, rutile, and brookite), each showing distinct catalytic behaviors due to differences in their electronic structures and surface properties.