Materials — Efficient catalystsƒ

Reduction of pollution from vehicles and power plants relies, in large part, on how effectively catalysts can oxidize nitric oxide (NO). Advancing such catalyst performance requires a better understanding of the noble metals used in catalytic converters. Using theoretical modeling, experimental work and advanced instruments at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists recently discovered remarkable oxidation of NO on single platinum atoms — a discovery that bucks a common assumption that single atoms are catalytically inactive. “This work will impact determining the optimum loading of noble metals on emissions-treatment catalysts and design of low-temperature catalysts,” said ORNL’s Chaitanya Narula.