Rice University has uncovered a transformative approach to harnessing the catalytic power of aluminum nanoparticles by annealing them in various gas atmospheres at high temperatures. According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Rice researchers showed that changing the structure of the oxide layer that coats the particles modifies their catalysis properties, making them a versatile tool that can be tailored to suit the needs of different contexts of use from the production of sustainable fuels to water-based reactions