There are several reasons for catalyst deactivation, including:
- Poisoning: This occurs when impurities or by-products in the reaction mixture bind strongly to the active sites of the catalyst, rendering them inactive. - Fouling: Accumulation of substances on the surface of the catalyst that block active sites. - Sintering: High temperatures can cause catalyst particles to agglomerate, reducing the surface area available for reactions. - Leaching: The loss of active components from the catalyst into the reaction mixture.
