Story perspectives

Revolutionary Catalyst Research Promises Cleaner Energy Solutions

3/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

The University of Warwick and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) report that catalyst surfaces function as interconnected networks via electron flow, not isolated hotspots.
Using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM), the team mapped catalytic activity with unprecedented detail and identified specialized crystal grains that favor different chemical reactions.
The findings could drive the design of more efficient catalysts for clean energy and industrial applications, addressing sustainable manufacturing challenges.

1 of 1

Story summary

The University of Warwick and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) report that catalyst surfaces function as interconnected networks via electron flow, not isolated hotspots.
Using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM), the team mapped catalytic activity with unprecedented detail and identified specialized crystal grains that favor different chemical reactions.
The findings could drive the design of more efficient catalysts for clean energy and industrial applications, addressing sustainable manufacturing challenges.