Hydrogels enhance catalytic reactions through multiple mechanisms:
- High Water Retention: The ability to hold large amounts of water facilitates aqueous-phase reactions and improves mass transfer. - Functionalization: Hydrogels can be functionalized with various catalytic groups or nanoparticles, thereby increasing the availability of active sites. - Swelling and Deswelling: This property allows for dynamic control over the catalyst's microenvironment, affecting reaction rates and selectivity.
