Positioning and pinching slow proton movement in catalyst
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 - 09:00
in Physics & Chemistry
Twisting and pinching slow a catalyst's ability to generate energy from hydrogen, according to scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Center for Molecular Electrocatalysis. In converting hydrogen to electricity, the catalyst uses claw-like extensions, called ligands, to get needed items in place. However, the ligands opening and closing during the reaction can't be speeded up, making it the rate-limiting step; the ligands' tendency to grasp the protons a bit too tightly can also slow the reaction.