Scientists from Kyushu University and Kumamoto University in Japan have developed a new catalyst capable of assisting three key reactions for using hydrogen in energy and industry. Inspired by three types of enzymes in nature, this research can help elucidate unknown relationships among catalysts, paving the way for efficient use of hydrogen gas as a next-generation energy source in the future. A hydrogen energy economy will require not only catalysts capable of H 2 oxidation but also those that can put it back together again. The design of these catalysts takes much inspiration from hydrogenase enzymes (H 2 ases) because they perform just such chemistry in nature. These enzymes come in three distinct varieties, as determined by the metals at their active sites: [NiFe] H 2 ases, [FeFe] H 2 ases, and [Fe] H 2 ases. The H 2 ases can be classified according to their reactivity differences, as […]