CATALYST OF THE WEEK
A catalyst is a substance that increase in rate of a chemical reaction that is itself not consumed by the overall reaction. I think of it in terms of "a catalyst for change." For example, Martin Luther King Jr's efforts were a catalyst for change in the civil rights movement. He physically did not change through all his work, but his words triggered major "reactions" in this country for change.
My catalyst of the week is: Platinum, atomic number 78, atomic mass 195.
Many musical bands hoped to get a "platinum" record, which would act as a catalyst to reach more fame.
From a chemisty point of view, platinum is used in many chemical reaactions as a catalyst. It is used in jewelry, has been used as a catalyst to make crucibles (I love this one), also used to make "special containers" (not sure what they mean), a catalyst for laboratory equitment, dental crowns, as an anti-tumor agent and to make standard weights and measures.
And as I felt this is relevent to green chemistry, Platinum acts:
As a catalyst in the catalytic converter, an optional (though often mandatory by law) component of the gasoline-fueled automobile exhaust system.
As a catalyst in fuel cells. Reducing the amount of platinum required (and thus cost) is a major focus of fuel cell research.
So, I am not sure I am thrilled with what platinum is the catalyst for, but I am very excited about the catalyst for change.
2 comments:
Hahaha! A catalyst for change, and better as a catalyst for a booming musical career!
I, too, loved the platinum record comment! It makes me wonder how many other element names have unrelated, non-chemical applications. Gold-digger? No, it seems related. Tin-pan alley? The planet Mercury? A bore in person, and a "boron" TV as well? (Sorry.)
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