Silica is commonly used as a catalyst support because of its unique characteristics:
High Surface Area: The porous nature of silica provides a large surface area for the dispersion of active catalytic sites. Chemical Inertness: Silica is chemically stable and does not interfere with the catalytic reactions. Thermal Stability: Silica can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for high-temperature catalytic processes. Tunability: The surface of silica can be modified with various functional groups, enabling the design of tailored catalysts for specific reactions.
