Device for treating gases using microfabricated matrix of catalyst

A method of microfabricating a matrix of evenly distributed catalytic articles, with the matrix then being used to treat reactants in a stream of gases. The matrix is created by depositing areas of conductive material on a nonconductive base wafer or substrate, and then depositing catalyst particles in electrical communication with the conductive material so that a series of localized electrical fields can be created upon the introduction of a power source. A dielectric material surrounding the catalyst particles can be altered by increasing the applied voltage, thereby increasing the strength of the electrical field. A device so constructed is placed in a stream of gases, and the localized electrical fields alter the selectivity and the reactivity of the reactants in the stream of gases.