ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Water gas shift reaction

Okay kiddo, let me tell you about the water gas shift reaction.

First, let's talk about gases. Do you remember when we blew bubbles and saw how they disappeared into the air? Well, that's because gases are invisible and all around us, even though we can't see them!

One gas that is very important is carbon monoxide, or CO for short. It's a gas that can be harmful to humans and the environment. But sometimes we need to use CO, for example, to make things like fuel or chemicals.

That's where the water gas shift reaction comes in. It's a reaction that can turn CO into two other gases, called carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen gas (H2).

The reaction involves mixing CO with water vapor (which is just water that has turned into a gas) and then heating it up. When we do that, the CO and the water vapor react with each other and produce the CO2 and H2 gases.

So, why is this reaction important? Well, H2 gas is very useful for making things like fuel, chemicals, and even electricity. And CO2, even though it's a gas that can contribute to climate change, is also used in things like fizzy drinks and fire extinguishers.

But most importantly, the water gas shift reaction helps companies find a way to safely use CO without causing harm to the environment or people. Isn't science amazing?