Regeneration of Catalysts One approach to counteract deactivation is catalyst regeneration. This process involves removing the deactivating agents through techniques like oxidation, reduction, or washing. For example, in the case of fouling, a simple wash with an appropriate solvent can restore the catalyst's activity.
Use of Promoters Promoters are substances that, when added in small amounts, can enhance catalyst activity, selectivity, or stability. They can help maintain high efficiency by preventing or mitigating deactivation mechanisms. For instance, alkali metals are often used as promoters in ammonia synthesis to enhance the activity of iron catalysts.
Improved Catalyst Design Advanced catalyst design can also play a crucial role in maintaining efficiency. By tailoring the shape, size, and composition of catalysts, one can improve their stability and resistance to deactivation. For example, bimetallic catalysts often show enhanced performance due to the synergistic effects between different metals.