Smart catalytic systems function through various mechanisms, such as:
1. Stimulus-Responsive Catalysis: These catalysts can change their activity or selectivity in response to external stimuli like temperature, pH, or light. For instance, photoresponsive catalysts can alter their behavior under different lighting conditions.
2. Self-Healing Catalysts: These are designed to repair themselves upon degradation, thereby extending their operational life and maintaining high efficiency over time.
3. Adaptive Catalysts: These systems can adjust their structure or composition in response to changes in reaction conditions, ensuring optimal performance throughout the catalytic process.
