How does particle size relate to catalyst deactivation?
Catalyst deactivation is a common challenge in catalysis, and particle size can influence the rate and mechanisms of deactivation. Smaller particles are more prone to sintering, where particles agglomerate and grow larger, leading to a loss of active surface area. On the other hand, larger particles may be more resistant to sintering but could suffer from issues like carbon deposition or poisoning. Therefore, optimizing particle size is essential for maintaining catalyst longevity.