Small particles in catalysts, catalysis and surface chemistry

Particle size effects in catalysis are reviewed with 23 refs. Magnetic properties are important in the characterization of catalysts, in the identification of compds., and in the detn. of particle size. The effect of particle size on catalytic activity can often be explained in terms of ensembles of atoms that need to be present in a certain geometry on the surface of the particles. Size-dependent electronic effects become important when particles contain .ltorsim.30 atoms. [on SciFinder (R)]