Why Are Interstitials Important in Hydrogenation Reactions?
Hydrogenation reactions involve the addition of hydrogen to unsaturated bonds, such as double bonds in alkenes. Interstitials can enhance these reactions by:
1. Hydrogen Storage: Materials with interstitials can absorb and store hydrogen atoms. This stored hydrogen can then be readily available for hydrogenation reactions.
2. Activation Energy Reduction: Interstitials can lower the activation energy required for hydrogenation, making the process more efficient.
3. Increased Surface Area: The presence of interstitials can increase the surface area of the catalyst, providing more active sites for the hydrogenation reaction.
