Friday, 18th February 2005 (3090 views)

Scientists are using computer simulations and real-world experiments to help them discover more information on gold and its ability as a catalyst.

This new practice is becoming vital as scientists aim to look further into scientific features that are measured on a nanoscale, according to Innovations Report.

US scientist, Uzi Landman, explained to scientists at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS): "Small is different. We cannot use the way physical systems behave on the large scale to predict what will happen when we go to levels only a few atoms in size.

"In this size regime, electrons transport electricity in a different way, crystallites have different mechanical properties and gold nanowires have strength twenty times larger than a big bar of gold, and inert metals may exhibit remarkable catalytic activity."

Mr Landman explained that by using the rules of physics they can create model environments and discover new phenomenon through high level computer based simulations.

As computers become more powerful they are also getting more capable to conduct more detailed explorations for the world of science, allowing faster calculations and clearer images.

 

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