Catalyst Research: Molecular Probes Require Highly Precise Calculations Scientists of KIT Use Advanced Methods with Hybrid Functionals for Analysis of Active Sites – Publication in Physical Review Letters Analysis of a cerium oxide catalyst using carbon monoxide probe molecules and infra-red reflection absorption spectroscopy. (Figure: IFG/KIT) Catalysts are indispensable for many technologies. To further improve heterogeneous catalysts, it is required to analyze the complex processes on their surfaces, where the active sites are located. Scientists of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), together with colleagues from Spain and Argentina, have now reached decisive progress: As reported in Physical Review Letters, they use calculation methods with so-called hybrid functionals for the reliable interpretation of experimental data. (DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.256101).