New photocatalyst shows promise

Nickel nanoparticle catalysts decorated with nickel oxide layers could be used to selectively synthesise fuels and other chemicals under mild reaction conditions with the help of sunlight. The Chinese team were able to produce hydrocarbons up to seven carbons in length at room temperature by hydrogenating carbon monoxide. Normally, this reaction yields methane as the main product in the presence of nickel catalysts.

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