Diffusion limitations can lead to several adverse effects on the catalytic process:
Reduced Reaction Rate: When mass transfer is slower than the intrinsic reaction rate, the overall rate of the catalytic reaction is diminished. Lower Catalyst Utilization: In cases of severe internal diffusion limitations, the reactants may not reach all active sites within the catalyst, leading to underutilization of the catalyst material. Hot Spots and Temperature Gradients: In exothermic reactions, poor diffusion can cause uneven temperature distributions, leading to hot spots that may degrade the catalyst and affect selectivity.
