The solid catalysts used in heterogeneous catalytic reactions usually consist of three parts: active components, cocatalysts, and catalyst supports. The active components play a decisive role in the activity of the catalyst. Cocatalysts can improve the catalyst’s activator selectivity. Catalyst carrier is mainly to support active components and co-catalysts to improve the physical properties of catalysts.

The catalyst carrier is used in the preparation of the catalyst, the original purpose is to save precious metal materials (such as platinum, palladium, etc.), while improving the mechanical strength of the catalyst. Later, due to the difference in catalyst activity due to the use of different catalyst supports, the role of other aspects of the support was studied.

The catalyst carrier has the following functions:

(1) Increase the effective surface area and provide a suitable pore structure;

(2) Improve the mechanical strength of the catalyst, including wear resistance, hardness, compressive strength and impact resistance, etc.;

(3) The catalyst carrier can improve the thermal stability of the catalyst;

(4) Improve the active center of the catalytic reaction;

(5) New compounds formed by interacting with active components;

(6) The catalyst carrier can also increase the poison resistance of the catalyst and reduce the sensitivity to poisons;

(7) Save the amount of active components and reduce costs.