Optimizing the oxidation of carbon monoxide

In a cigarette-type smoking article which includes a combustible carbonaceous fuel element, the improvement comprising providing a coating on at least a portion of the exterior surface of said fuel element, said coating comprising a microporous layer of solid particulate matter being characterized as being substantially non-combustible at temperatures in which said fuel element combusts.

A method for reducing the amount of carbon monoxide produced in the combustion of a carbonaceous fuel comprising coating on the exterior surface of said carbonaceous fuel a microporous layer of solid particulate matter being characterized as being substantially non-combustible at temperatures in which said carbonaceous fuel combusts.

A process for reducing the amount of carbon monoxide produced in the combustion of a carbonaceous fuel comprising preparing a suspension of finely divided solid particles in a liquid carrier, said solid particles being characterized as being substantially non-combustible at temperatures in which said carbonaceous fuel combusts, applying said suspension to at least a portion of the surface of said carbonaceous fuel and drying said suspension of said liquid carrier forming a microporous layer of said solid particles on said carbonaceous fuel.