How Does the Electronic Structure Affect Catalysis?
The electronic structure of a catalyst, including factors like band structure and density of states, can significantly affect its catalytic performance. For example, the availability of d-orbitals in transition metals can facilitate the formation of chemical bonds with reactants, enhancing catalytic activity. Techniques like XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) and UPS (Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy) are often used to study these electronic properties.
