Supporting materials are essential for several reasons:
Increased Surface Area: They significantly increase the surface area of the catalyst, providing more active sites for the reaction. Enhanced Stability: They improve the thermal and mechanical stability of the catalyst, prolonging its lifespan. Better Dispersion: These materials help in the uniform dispersion of the active catalytic species, preventing agglomeration. Resistance to Deactivation: They can offer resistance to deactivation mechanisms such as coking and poisoning.