Week 4, catalyst of the week

My catalyst is Platinum. Platinum is a soft, dense, ductile metal that is very resistant to corrosion. It is used to make jewelry, wire, electrical contacts and laboratory vessels. Platinum is widely used as a catalyst. It will convert methyl alcohol vapors (CH₄O) into formaldehyde (CH₂O) on contact. Platinum is also used in a device called a catalytic converter, a device found in the exhaust systems of most cars. Catalytic converters combine carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned fuel from a car's exhaust with oxygen from the air, forming carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water vapor (H₂O). Platinum is also used as a catalyst in the production of sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and in the cracking of petroleum products. Fuel cells, devices that combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity and water, also use platinum as a catalyst.