Two Conductors of a Chemical Reaction

1/2 images For the first time, researchers at TU Wien have successfully observed the operating principle of so-called promoters in a catalytic reaction in real-time. These promoters play an important role in technology, but so far there is only limited understanding of how they work. Catalysts are essential for numerous chemical technologies, ranging from exhaust gas purification to the production of valuable chemicals and energy carriers. Often, tiny traces of additional substances are used alongside catalysts to make them highly effective. These substances are referred to as "promoters." While playing a crucial role in technology, they have been notoriously difficult to study. In most cases, determining which quantity of promoters has what effects on a catalyst has been a trial-and-error process. However, researchers at TU Wien have managed to directly observe the role of lanthanum promoters in hydrogen oxidation.