How do Surface Modifiers Affect Catalytic Activity?
Surface modifiers can influence catalytic activity in several ways:
1. Electronic Effects: Modifiers can change the electronic structure of the catalyst by donating or withdrawing electrons. This can make the active sites more or less reactive, thereby altering the reaction rate.
2. Geometric Effects: By covering specific sites or changing the surface topology, modifiers can influence which reactants can adsorb and react on the catalyst surface.
3. Chemical Effects: Modifiers can introduce new functional groups that interact differently with the reactants, thereby changing the reaction pathway and affecting selectivity.
4. Thermal Stability: Some surface modifiers can improve the thermal stability of the catalyst, making it more resistant to sintering and deactivation at high temperatures.
