What is the Impact of Surface Species on Catalyst Deactivation?
Surface species can also play a role in the deactivation of catalysts. Over time, catalysts can become less active due to the buildup of certain species that block active sites. This phenomenon, known as catalyst poisoning, can be caused by impurities in the reactants or by the formation of strongly bound intermediates. Understanding the nature of these deactivating species is crucial for developing more robust and long-lasting catalysts.