How Do Hydrophobic Interactions Affect Catalyst Design?
Understanding hydrophobic interactions is essential for the rational design of catalysts. By incorporating hydrophobic domains or modifying the surface properties of catalysts, researchers can tailor the selectivity and efficiency of catalytic reactions. For example, in the design of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), hydrophobic linkers can be employed to create specific pore environments that preferentially adsorb nonpolar reactants, thereby enhancing catalytic performance.
