New technology has been developed using a platinum catalyst which allows researchers to simultaneously heat a reaction and monitor its progress.

Gordon McDougall has led a team of experts at the University of Edinburgh in the study, whereby a cell was developed which could use microwave radiation to heat a reaction and infrared spectroscopy to monitor the reaction's progress.

A platinum catalyst was used in the experiment, with reactant gases channelled over it, and the cell was used to heat the catalyst and carbon monoxide with microwaves, reports the Chemical Technology magazine.

By being able to monitor the reaction, the scientists were able to confirm that the carbon monoxide was being adsorbed onto the platinum catalyst and then being oxidised to form carbon dioxide.

The researchers were able to study this by recording the mass spectrum of the gases as they were exhaled by the cell.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd