A new method for analyzing electrocatalysis has been developed by researchers at ETH Zurich. The team used a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to measure the activity of individual catalytic metal atoms on a surface. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient catalysts and better understanding of electrochemical reactions.

This is a major step forward in the field of electrocatalysis, a process that is involved in many industrial processes and renewable energy sources. By using the STM to observe individual metal atoms, the researchers were able to pinpoint the exact activity of the metal atom on the surface. This could help us develop more efficient catalysts, as well as better understand the underlying electrochemical reactions.

The team at ETH Zurich is now working to expand the technique to other types of catalysts and surfaces. With further progress, this technology could help us significantly improve the performance of catalysts and our understanding of electrochemical reactions.

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source: Phys.org