‘Dumbbell’ atomic pairs tackle decades-old ethanol chemistry problem for everyday products

A research team developed a trimetallic catalyst with platinum and chromium atom pairs embedded in a silver matrix.

The catalyst selectively removes hydrogen from ethanol to produce acetaldehyde, while reducing deactivation, coking, and side reactions.

Synchrotron X-ray methods and electron microscopy confirmed the heterometallic pair structure, with best performance at elevated temperatures.

The advance could enable a more durable, selective route to acetaldehyde from biomass-derived ethanol for industrial chemicals.