reaction schematic (IMAGE)
Caption
This schematic shows two possible reaction pathways for carbon dioxide (CO2) with ethane (C2H6), where carbon is black, oxygen is red, hydrogen is white. By studying catalysts pairing another metal with palladium, scientists identified two arrangements, or phases, that determine the reaction pathway. Top: If the metals form an alloy, the catalyst favors breaking carbon-carbon bonds to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas—syngas. Bottom: If the metals segregate to form an oxide interface, the catalyst favors breaking carbon-hydrogen bonds and produces ethylene (C2H4), carbon monoxide, and water.
Credit
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Usage Restrictions
OK for use with stories about this research, with credit.
License
Original content