Illustrating catalysis with a handmade molecular model set: catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide over a platinum surface

Abstract

Catalytic converters (automotive catalysts) and the chemical reactions they catalyze appear in general and introductory chemistry textbooks. Although the detailed mechanisms of the chemical reactions that occur in catalytic converters have been clearly revealed via recent developments in surface and computational chemistry research, the description and illustration of the catalysis are still ambiguous in textbooks. In this paper, we describe an extracurricular lecture whereby a handmade teaching aid was employed to illustrate the basic principle of the catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide over platinum surface, which is an essential reaction occurring in catalytic converters. The teaching aid, constructed combining easily available materials, can illustrate the positions and motions of the molecules on the platinum surface during catalytic oxidation. The lecture was favorably received by non-chemistry majors and high school students. Despite the difficulty of the topic, the audience displayed a relatively high level of understanding.

Highly Efficient CO Oxidation on Atomically Thin Pt Plates Supported on Irreducible Si 7 × 7

“…It is well-known that CO binds on transition metals by interactions between the 5σ (highest occupied molecular orbital) of CO and unfilled d -orbitals of metals ( e g ) and a subsequent π-backdonation of filled d -orbitals ( t 2 g ) with the antibonding 2π* (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) of CO . Since the electronic structure of transition metals are dominated by d -orbitals, the position of the d -band center with respect to the Fermi level is a critical factor, which determines the strength of the interaction of the metal with the adsorbate. , …”

“…It is well-known that CO binds on transition metals by interactions between the 5σ (highest occupied molecular orbital) of CO and unfilled d-orbitals of metals (e g ) and a subsequent πbackdonation of filled d-orbitals (t 2g ) with the antibonding 2π* (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) of CO. 48 Since the electronic structure of transition metals are dominated by dorbitals, the position of the d-band center with respect to the Fermi level is a critical factor, which determines the strength of the interaction of the metal with the adsorbate. 33,49 Figure 5 Electronic interaction between metal nanoparticles and supports is another parameter that controls the functionality of nanomaterials, for example, the stability, activity, and selectivity of catalysts. 50 Electronic metal support interactions (EMSI) have been reported to lead to chemical enhancements as good as 20-fold increase in the reaction rate and are critical for the adhesion of particles and, therefore, the stability of the materials.…”

Common Sports Injuries and Prevention in Table Tennis Players

“…(Table 4) Therefore, the physical fitness of professional players guarantees their existence. 13 The performance and competition indicators of the competition are also mandatory for them to exercise with illness. Coaches should focus on intensive rehabilitation and scientific rehabilitation to prevent re-injury.…”