Scientists at Lehigh University have developed a new spectroscopy method called modulation excitation spectroscopy (MES) that can identify the correct pathway for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in power plant emissions. The study, led by Israel E. Wachs and his team, provides detailed insights into how the reaction occurs and can be applied to a wide range of catalytic reactions that emit NOx, including those from automobiles, ships, tractors, and lawn mowers. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of catalytic converters and positively impact thousands of catalytic reactions. [4c56dc95]