Multiplicity of Steady States in Catalyst Particles

Theoretical studies have shown that one and the same external condition can lead to more than one steady-state concentration profile inside a catalyst particle. Satterfield et al. [1966 1967], for example, have shown that rate equations of the form  

Carbon monoxide oxidation on Pt catalysts is an example of a reaction of practical importance that can lead to multiplicity of steady states when the resistance to diffusion leads to significant concentration gradients. Typical for multiple steady states is a sudden jump from a relatively low rate of reaction or conversion to relatively high values upon an increase of the catalyst temperature. Upon decreasing the temperature, the jump back to the low reaction rate occurs 

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