Catalysts can deactivate due to several mechanisms, often accelerated in aging tests:
- Sintering: Loss of surface area due to particle agglomeration at high temperatures. - Poisoning: Deactivation by impurities or reaction by-products. - Fouling: Clogging of active sites by carbon deposits or other materials. - Phase Transformation: Changes in the crystal structure that affect catalytic activity.
Understanding these mechanisms helps in designing more robust catalysts and improving operational conditions to prolong catalyst life.
