Several characteristics make zeolites effective as catalysts:
High Surface Area: The porous structure of zeolites provides a large surface area for catalytic reactions. Shape Selectivity: The uniform pore sizes allow for shape-selective catalysis, enabling the selective adsorption of certain molecules while excluding others. Strong Acid Sites: The presence of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites makes zeolites effective for acid-catalyzed reactions. Thermal Stability: Zeolites exhibit high thermal stability, making them suitable for high-temperature reactions.
