Electrochemical proton insertion modulates the hydrogen evolution reaction on tungsten oxides.

The development of new electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) could reduce the dependence on Pt and other rare metals and enable large-scale production of hydrogen with near-zero carbon emissions. Mechanistic insight into the electrocatalytic activity of a material helps to accelerate the development of new electrocatalysts. Alternative electrocatalyst materials such as transition metal oxides and sulfides can undergo insertion reactions that change their properties.

Biofilm Sampling for Detection of Oocysts in a Southeastern Pennsylvania Watershed.

This study investigated the use of biofilms to monitor in water. Benthic rock and submersible slide biofilms were sampled upstream and downstream of point sources in a suburban watershed in southeastern Pennsylvania. More oocysts were detected in biofilms scraped from rocks downstream than upstream of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) (19 versus 5, respectively;  = 1).

Surveying Manganese Oxides as Electrode Materials for Harnessing Salinity Gradient Energy.

The potential energy contained in the controlled mixing of waters with different salt concentrations (i.e., salinity gradient energy) can theoretically provide a substantial fraction of the global electrical demand.

Electrochemical Desalination Using Intercalating Electrode Materials: A Comparison of Energy Demands.

One approach for desalinating brackish water is to use electrode materials that electrochemically remove salt ions from water. Recent studies found that sodium-intercalating electrode materials (i.e.