Researchers have used a new type of time-resolved electron microscopy to record atomic movements live during a catalytic reaction for the first time. This disproved the current doctrine that the aldehyde produced during dehydrogenation diffuses from the catalyst surface. Using the new microscopy, the researchers discovered that it sticks to the surface and immediately forms short polymer chains. This adhesive effect paves the way for more durable and efficient catalysts. In the future, the technology could also be used to investigate the effects of electrolysis in detail and optimize electroplating processes in a targeted manner.
From stop-motion to atomic cinema
Back in 2013, IBM demonstrated how scanning tunneling microscopy can be used to arrange CO molecules into a stop-motion short film. At the same time, a group from the University of Toronto documented in real time how atoms go through transition states. This pioneering work laid the foundation for today's "atomic nature documentation".
The new technique behind live microscopy is called SMART-EM (Single-Molecule Atomic-Resolution Time-Resolved Electron Microscopy) and is based on ultrashort electron pulses that scan samples in sub-millisecond steps without destroying them. Developed by Prof. Eiichi Nakamura and his team at the University of Tokyo, the technology enables film-like sequences that document atomic structural changes in great detail.
Live observation of catalytic dehydrogenation
An international consortium led by Dr. Yosi Kratish and Prof. Tobin J. Marks (Northwestern University) used SMART-EM to track the dehydrogenation of an alcohol on the catalyst surface. At each step of the hydrogen removal process, the method provided fascinating insights into the interaction of individual atoms and molecules. Contrary to previous assumptions, the resulting aldehyde adheres directly to the metal and polymerizes on the spot. At the same time, the short-lived formation of hemiacetal intermediates was demonstrated - a reaction pathway that was previously unknown.
Outlook for catalyst design and green chemistry
This new understanding of surface polymerization not only explains the premature degradation of industrial catalysts, but also provides concrete starting points for material optimization. At the same time, researchers are working on freezing electron movements in liquid water and thus revealing electronic reaction processes. In addition to SMART-EM, 4D electron diffraction extends this "kinematic chemistry" by making stoichiastic atomic movements in solids visible. In the long term, this visual chemistry promises progress in sustainable hydrogen production, environmentally friendly pharmaceutical synthesis and the precise control of complex reaction pathways.
Live observation of additively modified electroplating processes?
SMART-EM could also be used to monitor the electrodes during metal deposition in real time at an atomic level in a specially adapted liquid cell. This would make it possible to directly observe organic additives as they adsorb on the cathode surface or specifically influence grain growth. It would also be possible to track the formation of passivating films at the anode and their interaction with additives. These insights would make it possible to optimize electroplating processes in a more targeted manner in the future.
Literature
- "A Boy and His Atom", IBM Research - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Boy_and_His_Atom
- Phys.org: "Best image yet of atoms moving in real time produced (w/ video)" - https://phys.org/news/2013-04-image-atoms-real-video.html
- Northwestern Now: "Watch a live catalytic event in real time -https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2025/04/watch-a-live-catalytic-event-in-real-time/
- ScienceDaily: "Researchers watch a live catalytic event in real time - https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250411175454.htm
- McCormick Engineering: "Watch a Live Catalytic Event in Real Time -https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/news/articles/2025/04/watch-a-live-catalytic-event-in-real-time/
- Nanowerk: "Watch a live catalytic event in real time (w/video) - https://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-news3/newsid%3D66680.php
- Mapping Ignorance: "First video of catalysis in action at the atomic level -https://mappingignorance.org/2025/04/15/first-atomic-level-video-of-catalytic-reaction
-ScitechDaily: "Watch Atoms Move: The First-Ever Video of Catalysis in Action -https://scitechdaily.com/watch-atoms-move-the-first-ever-video-of-catalysis-in-action/
- Oxford Academic: "Cinematographic study of stochastic chemical events at atomic resolution - https://academic.oup.com/jmicro/article/73/2/101/7326077
