A Dutch scientist claims to have discovered a new reaction in the catalysis process - in a development that could foster greater understanding of how platinum and palladium autocatalysts work.

Surface physicist Marcelo Ackerman of Leiden University claims to have discovered a second reaction path during the conversion of carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide.

According to received wisdom, the catalysis reaction path sees CO and O absorbed on the surface, thus splitting O₂ into two O atoms. Subsequently, O and CO bind on the surface to form CO₂.

However, Mr Ackerman found that the process can also entail an atom-thin layer of platinum or palladium oxide forming, with the CO molecules oxidising into CO upon contact with this oxide layer.

This was found only to occur if the pressure of O₂ is comparably high relative to the pressure of CO₂.

The potential discovery of the second process questions whether the formation of the oxide layer is necessarily disadvantageous for the catalytic reaction - contrary to the current scientific consensus.

Source:

Car Catalyzers Works Differently Than Previously Thought, 19/11/07
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071117093333.htm

Autokatalysator werkt heel anders dan gedacht, 19/11/07
http://www.nieuws.leidenuniv.nl/index.php3?m=&c=1918

Ÿ Adfero Ltd