Novel approach uses ion-molecule collisions, deposition to create sought-after material
Monday, March 14, 2011 - 11:03
in Physics & Chemistry
(PhysOrg.com) -- Once only possible with expensive liquids and large amounts of waste, scientists can now create an efficient, easy-to-separate catalyst with small amounts of material, thanks to an innovative approach from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Dr. Julia Laskin and Dr. Grant Johnson employed collisions between ions and molecules within a mass spectrometer, a popular analytical technique, to manipulate ruthenium-centered ions in the gas phase. The resulting highly reactive ions, which cannot be generated easily in solution, were then gently deposited onto a selected surface. The product is a catalytically active material that may one day be used in fuel cell and solar energy storage applications.