Catalysts are susceptible to various forms of deactivation, such as fouling, poisoning, and sintering. Fouling occurs when contaminants accumulate on the catalyst surface, blocking active sites. Poisoning involves the strong adsorption of undesired substances that inhibit catalytic activity. Sintering refers to the growth of catalyst particles, reducing the surface area available for reactions. Chemical cleaning helps mitigate these issues by removing contaminants and restoring the active sites of the catalyst.
