reaction schematic (IMAGE) DOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory Caption Scientists studying a water gas shift reaction catalyst made of platinum atoms (red and blue) on a cerium oxide (CeOx) surface discovered that only some platinum atoms around the periphery of the nanoparticle (shiny dark red) get activated to take part in the reaction. These activated platinum atoms transfer oxygen from OH groups (originally from water molecules) to carbon monoxide (CO), transforming it to CO2, leaving the H to combine with atomic hydrogen to form H2. Understanding these dynamics may help scientists design catalysts that require fewer platinum atoms. Credit Brookhaven National Laboratory Usage Restrictions OK for use with stories about this research License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.