Contaminants can impact catalysts in several ways:
Poisoning: Certain contaminants, known as poisons, can adsorb strongly onto the active sites of the catalyst, blocking them and thereby reducing the catalyst's activity. Fouling: The deposition of unwanted materials on the catalyst surface, known as fouling, can physically block active sites and increase mass transfer resistance. Sintering: Contaminants can promote sintering, where the catalyst particles agglomerate, reducing the surface area and active sites. Leaching: Contaminants can cause the active components of the catalyst to dissolve or leach away, leading to loss of activity.
