Real-World Benefits of Single Atoms Acting as Catalysts in Hydrogen-Related Reactions (IMAGE)
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A team of researchers at Tufts University's School of Arts and Sciences and School of Engineering have discovered that individual atoms can catalyze industrially important chemical reactions such as the hydrogenation of acetylene, a development with potentially significant economic and environmental benefits. The team found that individual atoms of costly palladium (yellow peaks) when placed in the surface of copper metal (pink) help break apart hydrogen molecules (grey circles) into atoms, facilitating important chemical reactions. These single atom alloys save money because they use less precious metal than conventional catalysts. They also yield less chemical byproduct waste, so they are better for the environment. The research was published online and in print March 9, 2012 in Science (Image/Figure courtesy of Sykes Laboratory-Tufts University).
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Image/Figure courtesy of Sykes Laboratory-Tufts University
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