A platinum free counter electrode for dye sensitized solar cells was developed using graphene platelets (GP) supported nickel nanoparticles (NPs) as the active catalyst. Few layered GP were prepared by chemical oxidation of graphite powders followed by thermal exfoliation and reduction. The nanoparticles of nickel were deposited directly onto the platelets by pulsed laser ablation. The composit...

Most of the world's hydrogen supply is currently obtained by reforming hydrocarbons. 'Reformate' hydrogen contains significant quantities of CO that poison current hydrogen fuel-cell devices. Catalysts are needed to remove CO from hydrogen through selective oxidation. Here, we report first-principles-guided synthesis of a nanoparticle catalyst comprising a Ru core covered with an approximately ...

A new enzyme catalyst consisting of pyrenecarboxaldehyde (PCA) and glucose oxidase (GOx) immobilized on polyethyleneimine (PEI) and a carbon nanotube supporter (CNT/PEI/[PCA/GOx]) is suggested, and the performance and stability of an enzymatic biofuel cell (EBC) using the new catalyst are evaluated. Using PCA, the amount of immobilized GOx increases (3.3 U mg−1) and the electron transfer rate c...

Ultra-thin, high performance composite palladium membrane, developed via a novel electroless plating method, was applied to construct a membrane reactor for methane steam reforming reaction, which was investigated under the following working conditions: temperature 723–823 K, pressure 300–900 kPa, gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) 4000–8000 mL g 1 cat h , steam-to-carbon feed ratio (S/C, mol/mol...

Solar-to-fuel energy conversion relies on the invention of efficient catalysts enabling water oxidation through low-energy pathways. Our aerobic life is based on this strategy, mastered by the natural Photosystem II enzyme, using a tetranuclear Mn-oxo complex as oxygen evolving center. Within artificial devices, water can be oxidized efficiently on tailored metal-oxide surfaces such as RuO2. Th...

Early tooth-colored restorative materials were weak and only suitable for anterior teeth. Over time, composites were developed that offered improved properties enabling their use in posterior teeth where subject to occlusal loading and forces of mastication. Secondary caries is the main reason for failure of both amalgam and composite restorations. Amalgam restorations offer ease-of-use but poo...

An innovative way to fix preformed nanocrystalline TiO(2) on low-density polyethylene film (LDPE-TiO(2)) is presented. The LDPE-TiO(2) film was able to mediate the complete photodiscoloration of Orange II using about seven times less catalyst than a TiO(2) suspension and proceeded with a photonic efficiency of approximately 0.02. The catalyst shows photostability over long operational periods d...

Cobalt talc doped with iron (Fe/Co~0.1) and dispersed in SiO2 aerogel was prepared from silica alcogel impregnated with metal nitrates by supercritical drying. Catalytic honeycombs were prepared following the same procedure, with the alcogel synthesized directly over cordierite honeycomb pieces. The composite aerogel catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy,...

The low activity of the oxygen reduction reaction in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells is a major barrier for electrocatalysis, and hence needs to be optimized. Tuning the surface electronic structure of platinum-based bimetallic alloys, a promising oxygen reduction reaction catalyst, plays a key role in controlling its interaction with reactants, and thus affects the efficiency. Here we ...