Several factors contribute to the complexity of real catalytic systems:
Surface interactions with reactants and products can vary widely depending on the nature of the catalyst and the operating conditions. The structure of catalysts, which often involves nanoparticle morphology, defects, and support interactions, adds layers of complexity. Environmental conditions such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of impurities can significantly alter catalytic behavior. Kinetic mechanisms can be intricate, involving multiple steps that may include adsorption, surface reactions, and desorption. Deactivation processes like sintering, poisoning, and coking can change the activity over time, complicating long-term performance analysis.
