Influence of charge state on the reaction of with carbon monoxide

A combined experimental and theoretical study shows that highly oxidized iron clusters are able to readily effect the oxidation of CO to CO2 at ambient temperature. Calculated energy profiles of the reaction demonstrate that the oxidation efficiency is governed by the strength of oxygen binding to the iron atom. Results for FeO 3 + / - are presented and reveal that cation clusters are more efficient than the corresponding anion clusters at effecting the oxidation reaction due to different oxygen bond energies resulting from charge distribution.