Effect of an external electric field on the oxidation of CO to CO2 on a nickel oxide catalyst

Abstract

Results are presented on the effect of an electric field on the catalytic oxidation of CO to CO2 on nickel oxide. The catalyst was prepared by oxidation of metallic nickel. It has been found that in the conditions studied (temp 300–430 °C, pressure 17–50 Torr) the reaction is of donor character. The effect observed has been interpreted in terms of Wolkenstein's electronic theory of catalysis (1, 2). The existence of a relationship between the catalytic activity and the electronic state of the catalyst surface has been confirmed.