The remarkable activity of nanocatalysts can be attributed to several factors:
1. Surface Area: Nanoparticles have a high surface area-to-volume ratio, providing more active sites for catalytic reactions. This significantly enhances the interaction between the catalyst and reactants, leading to improved reaction rates.
2. Quantum Effects: At the nanoscale, materials exhibit quantum mechanical effects that can alter their electronic properties. These changes can enhance the catalytic activity by modifying the electronic structure of the material, thereby affecting the adsorption and activation of reactants.
3. Size and Shape: The size and shape of nanoparticles can influence their catalytic performance. For example, certain shapes like nanorods or nanocubes have specific facets that are more active due to their atomic arrangement.
