Since its inception, the experiments have produced exciting clues as to how corrosion occurs. Harrison's team also investigates the process of catalysis on surfaces. Catalysts speed up lengthy reactions as well as lower their energy requirements. An everyday example of catalysis is the transformation of a car's carbon monoxide emissions into inert carbon dioxide, which occurs in its catalytic converter. Harrison studies the oxidation of carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide using a platinum surface similar to those used in the corrosion experiments.
Experimenters expose the surface to both gaseous oxygen and carbon monoxide.
The researchers excite the electrons of the platinum with an excimer laser. These electrons quickly split the oxygen molecules into two fast-moving oxygen atoms. The atoms then slam into carbon monoxide molecules and react. Harrison said two properties that determine whether a surface will be an optimal catalyst are whether it will make the desired products, and how much it will speed up the reaction. In most instances, scientists discover catalysts by trial and error.