Smoking article with co oxidation catalyst

Abstract of the Disclosure The present invention relates to a cigarette-like smoking article which is capable of producing substantial quantities of aerosol, both initially and over the useful life of the product, without significant thermal degradation of the aerosol former and without the presence of substantial pyrolysis or incomplete combustion products or sidestream aerosol. Embodiments of the present smoking article comprise a combustible fuel element, a physically separate CO oxidation catalyst attached adjacent to the fuel element, a physically separate aerosol-generating means including an aerosol forming material attached adjacent to the catalyst in conductive heat exchange relationship with the fuel element, and a means for delivering the generated aerosol to the user. The articles of the present invention provide the user with the taste, feel, and aroma associated with the smoking of conventional cigarettes without burning tobacco. The CO oxidation catalyst substantially decreases the level of CO inhaled by the user of such an article, by oxidizing the CO created by the burning fuel element to CO2.