Catalyst Illustration (IMAGE)

Stanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences

Catalyst Illustration

Caption

Scientists have invented an enzyme-like catalyst made of soft polymers (purple) and a hard palladium core (pink). When heated, the palladium chemically converts molecules of oxygen and carbon monoxide (yellow and orange) into carbon dioxide (CO2). The reaction stops when the polymers are saturated with carbon dioxide, a strategy used by living enzymes. Research is underway to develop catalysts that convert natural gas to methanol at low temperatures.

Credit

Gregory Stewart / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

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Credit Gregory Stewart / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

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