How Does Surface Roughness Affect Catalytic Activity?
Surface roughness impacts the catalytic activity in several ways:
1. Increased Surface Area: Rough surfaces generally have a higher surface area compared to smooth surfaces. This increased area provides more active sites for chemical reactions to occur, potentially enhancing the catalytic activity.
2. Enhanced Adsorption: The presence of microscopic peaks and valleys can improve the adsorption of reactant molecules. Improved adsorption can lead to more efficient catalytic processes, as reactants are more likely to interact with active sites.
3. Improved Mass Transfer: Surface roughness can facilitate better mass transfer of reactants and products to and from the catalyst surface. This can be particularly beneficial in reactions where diffusion limitations are a concern.
