Nanocatalysis

Nanocatalysis uses nanoscale materials as catalysts. Their high surface-area-to-volume ratios, size-dependent structures, and interfaces can alter reaction rates and product selectivity.

Heterogeneous catalysis: Catalysis in which the catalyst and reactants occupy different phases. Most nanocatalysts are solid surfaces that catalyze reactions in gases or liquids.
Nanoparticle: A particle with dimensions in the nanoscale range, commonly about 1 to 100 nanometers. Nanoparticles are the most familiar structures used to create nanoscale catalytic surfaces.
Electrocatalysis: Catalysis of electrochemical reactions at an electrode–electrolyte interface. Nanostructured surfaces help drive electrode reactions in fuel cells and electrolyzers.
Homogeneous catalysis: Catalysis in which the catalyst and reactants occupy the same phase. Unlike most nanocatalysts, homogeneous catalysts often offer molecularly uniform active sites.
Catalyst deactivation: The gradual or sudden loss of a catalyst's activity or selectivity during use. Nanocatalysts can deactivate through restructuring, poisoning, dissolution, or particle growth.
Surface area-to-volume ratio: The ratio of an object's surface area to its volume, which increases as its size decreases. Smaller catalyst particles expose more surface per amount of material.
Nanocluster: A small aggregate of atoms whose properties depend strongly on its precise size and structure. Clusters containing only a few atoms can have catalytic behavior unlike larger nanoparticles.
Photocatalysis: Catalysis in which light generates or activates the species that drive a chemical reaction. Nanoscale catalysts can use light absorption and surface reactions for chemical conversion.
Enzyme catalysis: Catalysis by biological molecules, usually proteins, that accelerate specific chemical reactions. Enzymes provide highly organized active sites that differ from extended nanoparticle surfaces.
Operando spectroscopy: Spectroscopic analysis performed while a material operates under reaction conditions. It can reveal which nanoparticle structures and chemical states persist during catalysis.

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NanoscienceRelated: Nanoparticle surfaces expose abundant active sites and can favor particular chemical pathways.