What role does Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy play in Catalysis?
Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for characterizing catalysts and studying catalytic reactions. It provides information about the functional groups present on the catalyst surface and the interaction between the catalyst and reactants. By analyzing the IR spectra, one can identify surface species, reaction intermediates, and the nature of active sites. This technique is particularly useful in studying heterogeneous catalysts.