What tools are available for understanding catalytic mechanisms?
Understanding the mechanisms of catalytic reactions is crucial for designing more effective catalysts. Tools like in-situ spectroscopy, kinetic studies, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide insights into the intermediate steps and active sites involved in the reaction. In-situ spectroscopy allows researchers to observe the catalyst and reactants in real-time, while kinetic studies analyze the reaction rates. DFT calculations offer a theoretical framework to understand the electronic structure and predict the behavior of catalysts.