Research
Programmable catalysts go beyond the Sabatier limit
C&EN · By Ananya Palivela ·
The Brief
- Researchers report that light and voltage help platinum catalysts break down formic acid faster than the Sabatier limit, which is usually treated as the theoretical maximum.
- The catalyst is described as programmable, with its activity adjusted by light and an applied voltage.
- The coverage is based on a Chemical & Engineering News report published 2026-11-11.
Why it matters
It suggests that external light and voltage can change catalytic rates beyond what the Sabatier principle predicts, which could affect how catalysts are designed and tested for reactions like formic acid decomposition.
Who’s affected
- catalysis and electrochemistry researchers
- chemical engineers working on hydrogen or formic acid systems
- #catalysis
- #platinum
- #formic acid
- #sabatier principle
- #photocatalysis
- #electrocatalysis
Light and voltage help platinum break down formic acid faster than theoretically possible