Scratching surface of nanocrystals

A nanocrystal's surface may be small – a nanometer is a billionth of a meter, after all – but it sure can have some big effects.

On catalytic properties, for one – the chemical reactivity of materials used in a broad variety of ways, from refining oil to filtering auto emissions. Conductivity, luminescence and more also depend to one extent or another on the way the atoms of a material's surface are configured and act.

Also on this date

• Man killed by Amtrak train was sitting on a rail
• Urbana High School restructuring plan to be presented
• Lawmakers seek extension of medical construction board
• Bill would give task force more time
• Official: Water system study would help Rantoul improve
• Public hearing on fire cuts set
• Boys and Girls Club celebration activities begin today
• State Police investigating I-74 overpass incidents
• Ag Day 2008 scheduled for Thursday at DACC
• Urbana moves forward on hiring administrator
• 'Blue kids' returning to area
• Obituaries