Research team detects hot electrons in real time

From converting vehicle exhaust fumes into less harmful gases to refining petroleum, most commercial chemical applications require nanocatalysts since they can reduce the required time and costs by controlling the rate of chemical reactions. The catalytic activity and selectivity largely depends on their physical properties (size, shape, and composition) as well as the electronic characteristics; the dynamics of hot (high energy) electrons on the surface and interface of catalysts. Though the ca