1. Control of Reaction Rate: By diluting the catalyst, the rate of the reaction can be moderated, which can be useful in highly exothermic reactions to prevent overheating and ensure safety. 2. Avoiding Hotspots: In packed-bed reactors, undiluted catalysts can lead to the formation of hotspots, which can degrade the catalyst and alter the reaction pathway. Dilution helps in uniform heat distribution. 3. Improving Catalyst Lifetime: Dilution can reduce the mechanical stress on the catalyst particles, thereby prolonging their life. 4. Enhanced Selectivity: In some reactions, especially those involving multiple steps, dilution can help in enhancing the selectivity towards the desired product by controlling the kinetics.
