Nanoscale Catalysts (IMAGE) DOE/Ames National Laboratory Caption In this transmission electron micrograph of the mesoporous nanospheres, the nano-scale catalyst particles show up as the dark spots. Using particles this small (~ 3 nm) increases the overall surface area of the catalyst by roughly 100 times. Credit US Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.