What Challenges Exist in Using Metallic Catalysts?
Despite their widespread use, metallic catalysts face several challenges. One major issue is catalyst deactivation, which can occur due to sintering, poisoning, or fouling. Sintering involves the agglomeration of metal particles, leading to a loss in surface area. Poisoning occurs when impurities bind strongly to the active sites, rendering them inactive. Fouling is the deposition of unwanted materials on the catalyst surface, blocking access to reactants.