Deactivation and regeneration of Claus catalyst particles unraveled by pore network model

•We propose a pore network model able to aid the design of Claus catalysts.•The deactivation and regeneration of Claus catalyst particles are probed.•Multiple steady states are found where capillary condensation of sulfur occurs.•Catalyst particle structures strongly affect the performance of Claus catalysts.•A bimodal catalyst particle shows higher activity and uses less catalytic material.