ScienceJuly 16, 2026
ruthenium
/ruːˈθiːniəm/
Definition
A rare, hard, transition metal element often used as a catalyst to facilitate chemical reactions, specifically effective at activating hydrogen gas in this context.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'Ruthenia,' meaning Russia. It was named by the chemist Karl Ernst Claus in 1844 to honor his homeland, where he discovered the element.
In the news
In the article, ruthenium nanoparticles are added to the BaSiN2:O electrene catalyst to enhance its ability to activate hydrogen, significantly improving the overall efficiency of ammonia synthesis.
Ru/BaSiN2:O: an air-stable catalyst powered by floating electrons
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!