Heading list: i. Sunlight to fuel: hope and hurdles; ii. The rise of atomic-scale catalysts; iii. The end of traditional chemistry; iv. Algorithms entering the lab; v. Friction as a chemical force – promise and problems; vi. Public opinion on chemistry. Questions 10–13: Complete each sentence with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
Paragraph B – One of the loudest buzzes came from the discovery of “single-atom catalysts” (SACs). Traditional catalysts rely on nanoparticles, but SACs isolate individual metal atoms on a support, maximizing efficiency. In 2011, Dr. Qiao’s team first demonstrated platinum atoms on an iron oxide support. The buzz? These SACs exhibited extraordinary activity for carbon monoxide oxidation, previously unattainable with bulk platinum.
Paragraph C – Another controversial buzz surrounds “mechanochemistry” – the use of mechanical force to initiate chemical reactions. For over a century, chemists heated mixtures in solvents. Today, ball mills and ultrasonic probes create reactions without solvents, reducing toxic waste. However, critics argue that mechanochemistry lacks reproducibility. A 2019 study in Nature settled part of the debate by introducing in-situ monitoring techniques, showing that mechanical energy produces unique reaction intermediates not seen in solution.
Paragraph D – The biggest buzz in popular media, though, has been “artificial photosynthesis.” Researchers at the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP) have developed devices that mimic leaves, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight. The goal is carbon-neutral fuel. While efficiencies remain below 5%, the buzz is justified: if scaled, it could replace fossil fuels. Skeptics note the high cost of rare metal catalysts like iridium, but recent breakthroughs in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer cheaper alternatives.
Use the answers and explanations in this article as a study guide – not just to memorize responses, but to understand why each answer is correct based on evidence in the text. That skill will serve you far beyond a single exam. Need more practice? Re-read the passage and try to write your own True/False/Not Given questions. Then exchange with a study partner. Chemistry may be buzzing, but your reading score can soar in silence.