randdmag:A*STAR scientists have used first-principles computer simulations to explain why small pl
randdmag: A*STAR scientists have used first-principles computer simulations to explain why small platinum nanoparticles are less effective catalysts than larger ones. Platinum nanoparticles are used in the catalysis of many reactions, including the important hydrogen evolution reaction used in fuel cells and for separating water into oxygen and hydrogen. Improved effectiveness of platinum nanoparticles to catalyze this reaction had been experimentally shown with decreasing nanoparticle size until it fell below about 3 nm. There was no clear explanation for why catalytic activity was reduced at this scale. Read more: http://www.rdmag.com/news/2015/08/why-platinum-nanoparticles-become-less-effective-catalysts-small-sizes -- source link
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