Scientists Discover Hidden Pathway Inside Catalysts That Defies Decades of Assumptions

Researchers at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics used real-time environmental TEM to watch oxygen atoms move through the bulk of a TiO2 catalyst.

The study reveals a hidden oxygen spillover pathway inside the catalyst, not just on its surface, controlled by the metal-support interface with ruthenium.

The finding challenges a long-held assumption in catalysis and suggests inactive-looking catalyst interiors may play an active transport role.

This could influence future catalyst design for chemical production, pollution control, and energy applications.