Thermal management is crucial because most catalytic reactions are either exothermic (release heat) or endothermic (absorb heat). Uncontrolled temperature changes can lead to several issues, such as:
Deactivation of catalysts: High temperatures can cause sintering or the loss of active sites on the catalyst surface. Safety hazards: Excessive heat can lead to runaway reactions, posing significant safety risks. Reduced selectivity: Temperature fluctuations can alter the reaction pathways, leading to undesired products.