How do Electronic Transitions Influence Catalytic Activity?
Electronic transitions influence catalytic activity by altering the electronic structure of the catalyst and reactants. When a catalyst undergoes an electronic transition, it can change its oxidation state, creating active sites that are more suitable for the adsorption and transformation of reactants. For instance, in transition metal catalysts, the d-orbitals play a crucial role in bonding with reactants, facilitating bond formation and breaking through electronic transitions.