TIRFM has a wide range of applications in the study of catalysis, including but not limited to:
- Characterizing Catalyst Surfaces: By studying the spatial distribution and dynamics of adsorbed species, researchers can gain insights into the active sites and surface properties of catalysts. - Investigating Reaction Mechanisms: TIRFM can help identify and visualize intermediate species and transition states, providing a deeper understanding of reaction pathways. - Monitoring Catalyst Deactivation: The technique can be used to observe changes in catalyst activity over time, helping to identify causes of deactivation and potential methods for regeneration. - Studying Enzyme Catalysis: TIRFM is particularly useful for studying enzyme-substrate interactions and conformational changes in enzymes during catalysis.