FACTORS CONTROLLING THE MODE BY WHICH A CATALYST OPERATES IN THE GRAPHITE OXYGEN REACTION

Variations in the catalytic action of metals on the graphite-oxygen reaction is discussed in terms of differences in the wetting characteristics of the catalyst on the graphite edge regions. It is shown that metals which readily form oxides exhibit a strong interaction with the oxygenated graphite surface and attack by the edge recession mode. In contrast, catalysts which remain in the metallic state have a weaker interaction with the graphite and function by a channeling action. An explanation for the catalytic inactivity of certain metals in this reaction is also presented.