How are Chemical Reactions Different at the Nanoscale?
At the nanoscale, materials exhibit unique properties that differ significantly from their bulk counterparts. This is due to the high surface area to volume ratio, quantum effects, and the dominance of surface forces. These factors can influence the rate of chemical reactions, their direction, and the stability of the resulting products. For instance, nanoparticles have more surface atoms available for reactions, which can enhance catalysis.
