A catalyst comprising a plurality of support nanoparticles and a plurality of catalytic nanoparticles. At least one catalytic nanoparticle is bonded to each support nanoparticle. The catalytic particles have a size and a concentration, wherein a first configuration of the size and the concentration of the catalytic nanoparticles enables a first catalysis result and a second configuration of the size and the concentration of the catalytic nanoparticles enables a second catalysis result, with the first and second configurations having a different size or concentration, and the first and second catalysis results being different. In some embodiments, the first catalysis result is a selective reduction of a first selected functional group without reducing one or more other functional groups, and the second catalysis result is a selective reduction of a second selected functional group without reducing one or more other functional groups.