The catalytic nanodiode. Its role in catalytic reaction mechanisms in a historical perspective

Catalytic nanodiodes, Pt/TiO2 or Pt/GaN produce continuous flow of hot electron current during carbon monoxide oxidation for hours in the 80 - 150 degrees C temperature range at pressures of 100 Torr of O-2 and 40 Torr of CO. These observations provide proof of the Schottky diode model of oxide supported metal catalysis of many reactions that have been proposed by Schwab, Solymosi and others since the 1960s. The flow of hot electrons should influence chemistry at oxide - metal interfaces and the metal particle size dependence of catalytic activity and selectivity.