Superresolution Imaging Method Aids in Water Decontamination

An imaging technique developed by Cornell University researchers shows promise as a tool for decontaminating water. The new approach allows imaging of catalytic reactions at the nanoscale in real time to help scientists learn the optimal size and shape for the most effective catalyst particles. This competition-enabled, superresolution imaging technique is applicable to a wide range of catalytic reactions. It is based on the incorporation of competition into a single-molecule fluorescence-detection scheme. The competition (a nonfluorescent reaction) suppresses the fluorescent reaction, allowing the fluorescent reaction to be measured and mapped. This process, in turn, provides information about the nonfluorescent reaction. The method...