The distribution of active sites is crucial because it directly affects the catalyst's performance. A well-distributed catalyst ensures:
1. Maximized Active Surface Area: Catalysts with uniformly distributed active sites expose more surface area to the reactants, increasing the likelihood of catalytic interactions. 2. Enhanced Selectivity: Proper distribution can enhance the selectivity of a catalyst towards desired reactions, minimizing side reactions and by-products. 3. Improved Mass Transfer: Uniform distribution facilitates better mass transfer of reactants to the active sites, which can be critical in both gas-phase and liquid-phase reactions.