NMR and Quantum Effects in Metal Particles

Abstract

abstractThe considerable interest in metallic clusters spans a wide range. In this paper we discuss quantum effects and we suggest that there may be important interrelationships between such behavior and heterogeneous catalysis. Of course, the physical and chemical behavior of the metal particle are the key to understanding principles of catalytic activity. The quantum effects are found at progressively lower temperatures where the metallic properties change. In both cases a fundamental question is posed, “Do these particles exhibit metallic behavior?;” One of the common features of research in these two areas is the important role played by nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) techniques since the signatures of a metal and an insulator are so dramatically different. The issue of metallic or nonmetallic behavior is therefore best addressed with this experimental approach and we will review the current situation by comparing a number of results on quantum size effects deduced from NMR experiments