Why is Coulomb Interaction Important in Catalysis?
Coulomb interactions influence several key aspects of catalytic processes:
1. Adsorption and Desorption: The strength of the Coulomb interaction between the catalyst surface and the reactant molecules affects adsorption and desorption rates. Strong interactions can enhance adsorption but might hinder desorption, affecting the overall catalytic cycle. 2. Stabilization of Transition States: Catalysts often work by stabilizing the transition states of reactions, thus lowering the activation energy. Coulomb interactions can help stabilize charged transition states, facilitating the reaction. 3. Selectivity: Specificity in catalysis can be influenced by Coulomb interactions, which can favor the formation of certain intermediates over others, thus enhancing selectivity.
