ABSTRACT
The fields of heterogeneous catalysis and surface science have long been intertwined. Whether it is the studies of Faraday on oxidation reactions over platinum surfaces, Langmuir’s studies of the surface properties of catalysts, or even work performed in the present day on the abilities of different surfaces to act as catalysts, advances in surface science often lead to the development of new
heterogeneous catalysts, just as the discovery of new catalytic properties pushes surface scientists to discern the origin of these properties.1,2 Surface science has played a tremendous role in determining the mechanisms of bond breaking and molecular rearrangements occurring on catalysts, as well as in determining the determination of the effects of surface structure on catalytic activity.
