Sterilization is crucial in catalysis for several reasons: - Purity: It ensures that the catalytic process remains pure and uncontaminated. - Efficiency: Contaminants can alter the catalytic efficiency, leading to inconsistent results. - Safety: Some microorganisms can be harmful, and their presence in catalytic systems can pose health risks. - Longevity: Proper sterilization can extend the lifespan of catalysts by preventing degradation caused by microbial activity.