How Does Agglomeration Affect Catalyst Performance?
The aggregation of particles can have several detrimental effects on catalyst performance:
Reduced Surface Area: Agglomeration decreases the available surface area, which in turn reduces the number of active sites. Blocked Active Sites: Agglomerated particles can block each other's active sites, making them inaccessible for catalytic reactions. Altered Pore Structure: In porous catalysts, agglomeration can change the pore structure, affecting the diffusion of reactants and products. Loss of Stability: Agglomerated particles may sinter at high temperatures, leading to a permanent loss of catalytic activity.