Processes occurring during deactivation and regeneration of metal and metal oxide catalysts

Catalyst deactivation is a complex area that often does not receive the attention that it deserves. In this paper a series of examples are considered showing poisoning, carbon laydown and restructuring resulting in catalyst deactivation. The catalyst systems examined include base catalysts, metal hydrogenation catalysts, metal and metal oxide dehydrogenation catalysts. Methods of regeneration, thermal, reductive and oxidative, are also considered and their efficacy and suitability discussed with respect to the different catalytic systems.