There are several strategies to enhance catalyst activity:
Surface Area Increase: Increasing the surface area of the catalyst allows more reactant molecules to interact with the active sites. This can be achieved through techniques like nanostructuring or creating porous materials. Promoters and Inhibitors: Adding promoters can enhance the activity of catalysts by improving their stability or increasing the number of active sites. Conversely, removing inhibitors can prevent the deactivation of catalysts. Electronic Modification: Modifying the electronic properties of catalysts, such as by doping with different elements, can enhance their activity. This approach is commonly used in heterogeneous catalysis. Optimized Reaction Conditions: Adjusting parameters such as temperature, pressure, and pH can significantly impact catalyst performance. Finding the optimal conditions is often a key step in process development.