Nano-crystal ‘gems’ are powerful chemical catalysts
May 4, 2007 | Source: NewScientist.com news service
Georgia Institute of Technology researchers have grown 24-sided platinum nanocrystals that have the most reactive surfaces yet, allowing them to catalyse reactions with ethanol about two to four times faster than platinum nanospheres.
Improved ability to oxidize chemicals like ethanol could have a big impact on the development of hydrogen fuel cells, which use platinum to oxidize compounds and generate electricity.