Catalysts can be damaged by a variety of factors that reduce their efficiency or render them inactive. Key causes include:
Poisoning: Contaminants bind irreversibly to the active sites of the catalyst, preventing them from facilitating reactions. Fouling: Accumulation of unwanted materials on the surface of the catalyst, which blocks active sites. Thermal Degradation: High temperatures can lead to sintering or phase changes, reducing the surface area available for reactions. Mechanical Wear: Physical abrasion can erode the catalyst surface, reducing its effectiveness. Leaching: Loss of active material into the reaction medium, common in homogeneous catalysis.
