How Does Water Affect Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Catalysis?
In heterogeneous catalysis, water can adsorb onto the catalyst surface, affecting the availability of active sites for reactants. This can either enhance or inhibit the catalytic activity depending on the type of reaction. For instance, in certain oxidation reactions, adsorbed water can facilitate the formation of reactive oxygen species. In homogeneous catalysis, water can participate as a ligand, influencing the electronic and steric properties of the catalytic complex. Water can also act as a reactant, participating directly in the catalytic cycle.
