What Parameters are Evaluated During Quality Checks?
Several parameters are evaluated to ensure the catalyst's performance:
1. Activity: This measures the rate at which a catalyst converts reactants to products. It's typically evaluated through reaction rate experiments. 2. Selectivity: This determines the ability of a catalyst to favor a specific reaction pathway, producing the desired product with minimal by-products. 3. Stability: The durability of a catalyst under operating conditions is critical. Stability tests include thermal, chemical, and mechanical stability assessments. 4. Surface Area: The effectiveness of a catalyst is often related to its surface area. BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) analysis is a common method used to measure surface area. 5. Pore Size Distribution: Catalysts often have porous structures. Techniques like mercury intrusion porosimetry or nitrogen adsorption can determine pore size distribution.
