Single-molecule, super-resolution imaging can monitor the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of catalytic reactions at nanoscales. Yet, many past single-molecule studies of heterogeneous catalysis have used model systems: samples simplified to have only a few components (nanoparticle, dye, water) so they can be well-described by statistical models, but that are far from the conditions for their intended use in the industrial applications (catalysis in a complex mixture of organics, metals, particulates, <i>etc.</i>). Here, we pursue expanding experimental conditions to understand the relationship between the catalytic activity of nanoparticles and the complexity of the surrounding environment. We use single-molecule super-resolution localization analysis to measure the location, kinetics, and overall activity of redox reactions of “turn-on” fluorophores in the organic solvents and with deactivating materials present. This work moves the field of super-resolution imaging of catalysis closer to industry-relevance, with the ultimate, long-term goal of using single-molecule results to inform bulk conditions in catalytic reactions.

Single-molecule imaging of catalysis in organic solvents

ACS Spring 2022

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