What Role do Surface Atoms Play in Heterogeneous Catalysis?
In heterogeneous catalysis, the reaction occurs on the surface of a solid catalyst. The surface atoms play a crucial role as they provide active sites where the reactant molecules can adsorb. The arrangement and nature of these surface atoms determine the catalytic properties, including activity, selectivity, and stability. Surface defects, such as vacancies and edges, often act as particularly active sites because they can more easily facilitate the breaking and forming of chemical bonds.
