Scientific Sessions

Catalyst deactivation is a major challenge in industrial catalysis, leading to reduced activity, selectivity, and overall process efficiency over time. Deactivation can occur due to several factors such as poisoning, fouling, sintering, coking, or thermal degradation. Poisoning results from the adsorption of impurities like sulfur or chlorine on active sites, while coking involves the deposition of carbonaceous materials that block catalytic surfaces. Sintering, often caused by high temperatures, leads to the agglomeration of metal particles, reducing the catalyst’s surface area. Understanding these deactivation mechanisms is crucial for designing more durable catalysts and ensuring consistent process performance.

To maintain long-term operation, catalyst regeneration techniques are employed to restore activity and stability. Methods such as oxidative regeneration, solvent washing, or reactivation under controlled conditions remove deactivating agents and renew active sites. Advances in nanostructured materials, surface engineering, and catalyst support design have improved thermal and mechanical stability, extending catalyst lifespan. Furthermore, real-time in-situ characterization and computational modeling help monitor degradation pathways and optimize regeneration cycles. Achieving a balance between catalytic performance and stability is essential for sustainable industrial operations, ensuring cost-effectiveness, reduced waste, and enhanced environmental efficiency.