Silica is frequently used as a support material in heterogeneous catalysis due to several key properties:
Thermal Stability: Silica can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for reactions that require elevated conditions. High Surface Area: The high surface area of silica allows for the dispersion of active catalytic species, enhancing the overall catalytic activity. Pore Structure: Silica has a tunable pore structure which can be optimized to facilitate the accessibility of reactants to the active sites. Chemical Inertness: Silica is chemically inert, ensuring that it does not interfere with the catalytic reactions.
