Several factors can influence the lifetime of a catalyst:
Temperature: High operating temperatures can cause sintering, which reduces the catalyst's surface area and activity. Poisoning: Impurities in the feedstock can poison the catalyst by binding to active sites, rendering them inactive. Mechanical Wear: Physical abrasion and erosion can degrade the catalyst structure. Deactivation: Over time, catalysts can lose their activity due to various chemical processes, including coking and fouling.