Researchers map nanoscale chemical reactions on individual catalyst surfaces

Researchers at the College of Design and Engineering at the National University of Singapore have developed a new imaging technique to map individual chemical reactions across catalyst surfaces. EurekAlert! reported that the method observes catalytic reactions at the nanoscale rather than taking conventional measurements that average activity across many particles. [1]

Catalysts accelerate chemical processes used in fuel production, medicine manufacturing, chemical synthesis, and pollutant treatment. Traditional testing methods conceal local performance differences across a surface, hiding information that is crucial for building more efficient systems. [1]

As FTMQ Science reported earlier, the team developed the single turnover optical imaging technique known as DELINE. In an experimental study published in Nature Catalysis on 13 August 2026, researchers used the method on gold catalysts to observe water dissociation, which is the chemical splitting of water molecules. The study revealed a performance trade off where regions with the highest voltage sensitivity exhibited slower baseline reaction rates. [2]

Assistant Professor Mao Xianwen and his research team aligned the optical system to analyze these nanoscale variations. EurekAlert! reported that the detailed insights into local activity differences could help scientists design improved catalytic materials for hydrogen production and other chemical applications. [1]