What are the Key Steps in a Surface Reaction Mechanism?
A typical surface reaction mechanism involves several steps: 1. Diffusion: Reactant molecules diffuse towards the catalyst surface. 2. Adsorption: Reactants adsorb onto the active sites of the catalyst. 3. Surface Reaction: Adsorbed reactants undergo chemical transformation. 4. Desorption: Products desorb from the surface. 5. Diffusion: Products diffuse away from the catalyst.
Each of these steps can be a rate-determining step, influencing the overall reaction rate.
