Metal oxides function as catalysts by providing active sites where reactants can adsorb and react. These active sites can be metal ions, oxygen vacancies, or combinations of these. The mechanism generally involves the following steps: 1. Adsorption: Reactants bind to the surface of the metal oxide. 2. Activation: The metal oxide activates the reactants, often by breaking chemical bonds. 3. Reaction: The activated reactants undergo a chemical transformation. 4. Desorption: The products are released from the surface, regenerating the active sites.
