Travelling atoms discard electrons that prove vital to bonding oxygen on catalyst, cleanup
Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 15:50
in Physics & Chemistry
(PhysOrg.com) -- To settle down on the surface of titanium dioxide, oxygen atoms need a few electrons. The source of these electrons has been under debate: do the electrons come from the surface or from deep down within? Now, scientists from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have proven that the electrons come from the surface of the titanium dioxide. The needed electrons are left by oxygen atoms that pack up and move to other locations.