Dancing Triangles' are formed by sulfur atoms on a layer of copper, which in turn rests upon a base, or 'substrate' of ruthenium. Scientists at Brookhaven Lab will study this type of configuration to understand how metal behaves on top of another. Layered metals are often used as catalysts, such as those that clean pollutants from automobile exhaust in catalytic converters. Catalysis is the increase in the rate of a chemical reaction due to the participation of an additional substance called a catalyst. With a catalyst, reactions occur faster and with less energy. Because catalysts are not consumed, they are recycled. Often only tiny amounts are required.