How Does Incorrect Sizing Affect Catalytic Performance?
Incorrect sizing can severely impact the performance of a catalytic system. For instance:
Reduced Activity: Oversized catalysts may have less available surface area, leading to fewer active sites for the reaction. Mass Transfer Limitations: If the catalysts are too large, the diffusion of reactants to the active sites might be hindered, slowing down the reaction. Agglomeration: Undersized catalysts might clump together, reducing the effective surface area and active sites. Separation Issues: Smaller catalysts can be challenging to separate from the reaction mixture, complicating the process and increasing costs.