Identifying the cause of reduced yield is crucial for solving the problem. Common diagnostic methods include:
Spectroscopic Analysis: Techniques like IR, NMR, and XRD can identify changes in catalyst structure or the presence of impurities. Reaction Kinetics: Studying the reaction rates and mechanisms can help identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Mass Spectrometry: Useful for identifying side products and potential catalyst poisons. Microscopy: Techniques like SEM and TEM can reveal morphological changes in the catalyst.