Maximizing noble metal utilization in solid catalysts by control of nanoparticle location.

Maximizing the utilization of noble metals is crucial for applications such as catalysis. We found that the minimum loading of platinum for optimal performance in the hydroconversion of -alkanes for industrially relevant bifunctional catalysts could be reduced by a factor of 10 or more through the rational arranging of functional sites at the nanoscale. Intentionally depositing traces of platinum nanoparticles on the alumina binder or the outer surface of zeolite crystals, instead of inside the zeolite crystals, enhanced isomer selectivity without compromising activity.

Utilizing heart rate variability to predict ICU patient outcome in traumatic brain injury.

Background: Prediction of patient outcome in medical intensive care units (ICU) may help for development and investigation of early interventional strategies. Several ICU scoring systems have been developed and are used to predict clinical outcome of ICU patients. These scores are calculated from clinical physiological and biochemical characteristics of patients.

Operando magnetic resonance: monitoring the evolution of conversion and product distribution during the heterogeneous catalytic ethene oligomerisation reaction.

Operando magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy has been used to follow an ethene oligomerisation reaction performed at 110 °C, 28 barg over a 1 wt% Ni/SiO2-Al2O3 catalyst. Spectra acquired over the timecourse of the reaction allow the calculation of conversion and product distribution as a function of time-on-stream.