In a breakthrough for energy-efficient catalysis, researchers have discovered a “non-thermal” pathway for chemical reactions that was previously thought impossible. They proved that n-type semiconductors (the type used in most electronics) can generate “strain-induced holes” to drive oxidation—a process the “classic” models of physics said was unlikely. This discovery allows for the transformation of greenhouse gases into valuable chemicals using 500% less energy than current methods, effectively rewriting the rulebook for charge carrier dynamics in semiconductor physics.
Source: EurekAlert! / Nature Communications
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