Scientists see carbon chains preferred locales on popular catalyst
Wednesday, January 6, 2010 - 14:21
in Physics & Chemistry
(PhysOrg.com) -- Prima donnas. Floppy chains of carbon atoms are particular about where they want to be on a titanium dioxide catalyst, according to a new study from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the University of Texas at Austin. The catalyst's surface resembles corrugated cardboard: ridges of oxygen atoms run parallel to valleys of titanium atoms. Influenced by a weak attraction to the titanium, the hydrocarbon chain settles into the valleys.