University of Warwick and MIT researchers discover coordinated microscopic networks on catalyst surfaces

Warwick and MIT scientists reveal that catalyst surfaces work as interconnected networks, sharing electrons to drive reactions for cleaner energy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 9:58 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from University of Warwick

Visualizing catalytic activity at the microscopic level

Researchers from the University of Warwick and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have provided a new perspective on how catalysts accelerate chemical reactions. In a study published in Nature Catalysis, the team utilized a specialized imaging technique to observe a platinum catalyst in unprecedented detail. For decades, the prevailing scientific consensus suggested that catalysts functioned through individual, isolated hotspots where reactions occurred most rapidly. However, the new data indicates that the surface of a catalyst behaves more like a coordinated network where different regions share electrons to power the overall process.

Cooperative electron flows between crystal grains

The study utilized scanning electrochemical cell microscopy to map the activity across the catalyst surface during thermochemical reactions. By combining this technology with crystallographic mapping, the researchers identified that individual crystal grains on the platinum surface specialize in different chemical steps. Some regions were found to favor oxidation, while others were more suited for reduction. Rather than acting independently, these grains were observed engaging in cooperative electron flows, functioning as an integrated electrical circuit to maximize the efficiency of the reaction.

Discovery of chemical crosstalk on catalyst surfaces

A significant finding of the research is the presence of chemical crosstalk, a phenomenon where reactions occurring in one specific region directly influence the activity of neighboring areas. This communication can either enhance or suppress the catalytic performance across the broader surface. Dr. Yogesh Surendranath of MIT noted that catalyst surfaces are not merely a patchwork of individual sites, but a connected environment where regional communication helps drive the transition of energy and matter more effectively.