The importance of size distribution arises from its direct impact on several key aspects of catalysis:
Surface Area: Smaller particles have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, providing more active sites for reactants to interact with the catalyst. Active Sites: The distribution of particle sizes can influence the number and accessibility of active sites. Mass Transfer: Particle size can impact the ease with which reactants and products diffuse to and from the catalyst surface. Heat Transfer: Smaller particles often facilitate better heat transfer, which can be critical in exothermic or endothermic reactions. Stability: Particle size distribution can affect the long-term stability of the catalyst, as smaller particles may be more prone to sintering.
