Electromagnetic enhancement operates by altering the local environment of the catalyst. When electromagnetic fields interact with the catalyst, they can induce several effects:
1. Localized Heating: Electromagnetic waves can cause localized heating of the catalyst, leading to higher reaction rates. This is particularly evident in microwave-assisted catalysis. 2. Surface Plasmon Resonance: In specific materials like metals, electromagnetic fields can excite surface plasmons, which generate hot electrons that can participate in catalytic reactions. 3. Molecular Excitation: Electromagnetic fields can directly excite reactant molecules, increasing their reactivity and leading to enhanced catalytic performance.
