MID/QC Applied Substrate Series 22 - Surface Geometry and Catalytic Activity: Edges, Corners, Facets, and Torsional Asymmetry

This paper reframes surface catalysis within the MID/QC substrate framework, showing how geometric features such as edges, corners, facets, and curvature generate torsional asymmetry and coherence wells that stabilize transitional molecular configurations. Catalytic activity is explained as a function of geometric viability rather than chemical composition. The manuscript explores nanoparticle behavior, facet selectivity, strain engineering, and dopant effects, establishing a substrate-first mechanism for heterogeneous catalysis and guiding future catalyst design.