Tianjin University Researchers Develop Fast, Precise Platinum-Group Catalyst Synthesis

Tianjin University, July 12, 2026 – Scientists at Tianjin University have developed a new synthesis method for platinum-group catalysts, achieving millisecond-scale precision and ultrafast production. The findings, published in the journal Science, detail a thermal pulse technology enabling precise control over the formation of these critical materials for energy and chemical applications.

The research team introduced a "transient assembly" strategy to create core-shell structured platinum-group metal catalysts. This approach aims to enhance catalytic activity while minimizing the use of precious metals, a key challenge in industries reliant on efficient catalysis, such as fuel cells and green energy.

Traditional catalyst synthesis often involves lengthy, energy-intensive, and difficult-to-control high-temperature annealing processes. The Tianjin University team's method utilizes periodic thermal pulses to deliver energy with millisecond accuracy, guiding nanocrystals to assemble into precise core-shell configurations. This technique reportedly shortens a multi-hour process to mere minutes.

According to the study, the process allows for precise control over the platinum shell's thickness, down to three atomic layers. This fine-tuning optimizes catalytic performance. Furthermore, the method reduces energy consumption by 90 percent compared to conventional techniques and avoids the use of hazardous reagents.

Catalysts synthesized using the new technology demonstrated a rated power of 15.2 kilowatts per gram of platinum in hydrogen fuel cells and exhibited excellent durability. Professor Hu Wenbin, the study's corresponding author, stated that the technology provides a new pathway for the precise and efficient synthesis of noble metal catalysts with fine, controlled structures, potentially impacting green hydrogen production, advanced chemical manufacturing, and pharmaceutical synthesis.