Researchers in Germany have succeeded in producing solid nanoclusters of palladium.

Scientists from the Forschungszentrum Rossendorf research centre in Dresden used the survival mechanisms of a special bacterium to construct the nanoclusters, which are incomprehensibly small.

Nanoparticles are already being used in a number of areas where electronics and optics are key, including the automotive industry.

The scientists believe that in this instance, the nanoclusters created from palladium with the help of the Bacillus sphaericus JG-A12 bacterium are ideal for creating new nano-catalysts.

Palladium is often used as a catalyst, particularly in the car and chemical industries, and nanocatalysts made from palladium have been found to speed up chemical reactions even at low temperatures.

The results, published in the Biophysical Journal, are expected to prompt an increase in tests on palladium-based nanotechnology around the world.


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