How Do Van der Waals Interactions Affect Catalyst Design?
When designing catalysts, especially [heterogeneous catalysts](), understanding and optimizing van der Waals interactions can lead to more effective catalytic surfaces. By tailoring the surface properties of the catalyst, scientists can enhance the adsorption of specific reactants, leading to better catalytic performance. For instance, in nanoporous materials like zeolites, van der Waals forces can dictate the diffusion and adsorption behavior of molecules within the pores.