MWCNTs-Supported Pd(II) Complexes with High Catalytic Efficiency in Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Media.

We report here the remarkable catalytic efficiency observed for two Pd(II) azamacrocyclic complexes supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) toward oxygen reduction reactions. Beyond a main (>90%) 4e process and an onset potential close to or better than those of commercial Pt electrodes, the MWCNTs functionalization strategy, aimed at chemically defined Pd(II)-based catalytic centers, allowed the half-cell to exceed the proton-exchange-membrane fuel-cell reference/target mass activity efficiency set by the U.S.

Investigations on the Electrochemical Atomic Layer Growth of Bi₂Se₃ and the Surface Limited Deposition of Bismuth at the Silver Electrode.

The Electrochemical Atomic Layer Deposition (E-ALD) technique is used for the deposition of ultrathin films of bismuth (Bi) compounds. Exploiting the E-ALD, it was possible to obtain highly controlled nanostructured depositions as needed, for the application of these materials for novel electronics (topological insulators), thermoelectrics and opto-electronics applications. Electrochemical studies have been conducted to determine the Underpotential Deposition (UPD) of Bi on selenium (Se) to obtain the Bi₂Se₃ compound on the Ag (111) electrode.

Heat treated carbon supported iron(ii)phthalocyanine oxygen reduction catalysts: elucidation of the structure-activity relationship using X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

This paper focuses on studying the influence of the heat treatment on the structure and activity of carbon supported Fe(ii)phthalocyanine (FePc/C) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts under alkaline conditions. The FePc macrocycle was deposited onto ketjen black carbon and heated treated for 2 hours under inert atmosphere (Ar) at different temperatures (400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1000 °C). The atomic structure of Fe in each sample has been determined by XAS and correlated to the activity and ORR mechanisms determined in electrochemical half cells and in a complete H/O anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEM-FC).

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: guaiacol and catechol derivatives effectively inhibit certain human carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes (hCA I, II, IX and XII).

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are widespread metalloenzymes in higher vertebrates including humans. A series of phenolic compounds, including guaiacol, 4-methylguaiacol, 4-propylguaiacol, eugenol, isoeugenol, vanillin, syringaldehyde, catechol, 3-methyl catechol, 4-methyl catechol and 3-methoxy catechol were investigated for their inhibition of all the catalytically active mammalian isozymes of the Zn(2+)-containing CA (EC 4.2.

The amphipod Talitrus saltator as a bioindicator of human trampling on sandy beaches.

The present paper assesses the use of the supralittoral amphipod Talitrus saltator as a bioindicator of the effects of human trampling on the supralittoral sandy band. Samplings in delimited areas were carried out at sites subjected to different human impact. The results showed a strong negative correlation between the number of swimmers and the sandhopper population density, while there was no clear relationship between sandhopper abundance and the other factors considered: granulometry, compactness and organic carbon content of the sand, and trace metal contents in the sand and sandhoppers.