A new type of catalytic effect in the oxidation of carbon

Abstract

The effect of pre-treatment by acids on the oxidation of Charcoal has been investigated. Carbon monoxide produced in the oxidation has been shown to be entirely a primary product up to 600° C. The extent of the secondary oxidation has been estimated by carrying out combustions in the presence of radioactive carbon monoxide, and shown to be small at all temperatures up to 550° C. The acid pre-treatment produces a charcoal of considerably reduced activity. On combustion such a charcoal yields a higher ratio of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide than one not so treated. The results obtained have been explained in terms of an electronic theory of catalysis where electromeric effects produced by impurities in the carbon are thought to be transmitted through the graphite lattice.