Cornell researchers have conducted a study on a cobalt-manganese oxide catalyst as a potential substitute for platinum catalysts in fuel cells. Platinum has been favored for its efficiency in the oxygen reduction reaction, but its high cost hinders widespread adoption of clean-energy technologies. The study, led by materials scientist Andrej Singer and chemist Héctor Abruña, aimed to explore a more cost-effective alternative. By utilizing advanced X-ray techniques at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source, the team observed the catalyst in operation, uncovering its unexpected structural stability during operation. The research revealed that the cobalt-manganese oxide can endure significant strains, making it a promising rival to platinum. However, prolonged exposure led to an irreversible structural transformation, highlighting a key limitation that requires further investigation for optimization. The collaborative effort involving chemists, physicists, and materials scientists at Cornell emphasized the interdisciplinary approach to the research. The findings are expected to contribute valuable insights towards the deployment of affordable and efficient catalyst materials for clean-energy technologies. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the research signifies a significant step towards developing high-performance catalyst materials for sustainable energy solutions.