Tag Archives: platinum particles

Chemistry on the Edge: Study Pinpoints Most Active Areas of Reactions on Nanoscale Particles

By Science, , , , , , ,

Experiments at Berkeley Lab confirm that structural defects at the periphery are key in catalyst function

Defects and jagged surfaces at the edges of nanosized platinum and gold particles are key hot spots for chemical reactivity, a team of researchers working at the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel confirmed with a unique infrared probe. (more…)

Read More

Novel Nanowires Boost Fuel Cell Efficiency

By Science, , , , , , , ,

Fuel cells have been touted as a cleaner solution to tomorrow’s energy needs, with potential applications in everything from cars to computers.

But one reason fuel cells aren’t already more widespread is their lack of endurance. Over time, the catalysts used even in today’s state-of-the-art fuels cells break down, inhibiting the chemical reaction that converts fuel into electricity. In addition, current technology relies on small particles coated with the catalyst; however, the particles’ limited surface area means only a fraction of the catalyst is available at any given time. (more…)

Read More