77.     ----------------. [ARMSTRONG, E. F., AND HILDITCH, T. P.] Catalytic Actions at Solid Surfaces.  IV.  Interaction of Carbon Monoxide and Steam as Conditioned by Iron Oxide and by Copper.  Proc. Roy. Soc. (London), vol. 97-A, 1920, pp. 265-273; Chem. Abs., vol. 14, 1920, p. 2439.

                Amount of change CO+H₂O=CO₂+H₂ at temperatures from 200° to 500° with Cu and Fe oxide catalyst is examined.  The former is much less complete in its action than the oxide at higher temperatures but predominates over the range 200°-300°, though it never effects more than 50-70% of the possible amount of chemical change.  The results illustrate beautifully the specific action of 2 different types of catalyst.  Cu decomposes HCOOH from 190° up, according to: (1) CO+H₂O=HCOOH; (2) HCOOH!CO₂+H₂, in presence of Cu.  On the other hand, the Fe oxide process is dependent on the temperature ranges at which oxidation of CO and decomposition of steam by Fe or FeO occur rapidly.  That H₂O enters into active association with Cu is indicated, (1) by its protective action on aldehyde by preferential adsorption at Cu surfaces; and (2) by its actual part in a chemaction when association with Cu.