Study on the growth of platinum nanowires as cathode catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

The platinum nanowires have been verified to be a promising catalyst to promote the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells.In this paper,accurately controlled growth of nanowires in a carbon matrix is achieved for reducing Pt loading.The effects of formic acid concentration and reaction temperature on the morphology and size of the Pt nanowires,as well as their electrochemical performances in a single cell,are investigated.The results showed that the increase in the formic acid concentration results in a volcano trend with the length of Pt nanowires.With increasing reduction temperature,the diameter of Pt nanowires increases while Pt particles evolve from one-dimensional to zero-dimensional up to 40°C.A mechanism of the Pt nanowires growth is proposed.The optimized Pt nanowires electrode exhibits a power density(based on electrochemical active surface area)79%higher than conventional Pt/C one.The control strategy obtained contributes to the design and control of novel nanostructures in nano-synthesis and catalyst applications.

Efficacy of oral epigallocatechin-3-gallate solution administration during radiotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer patients: A long-term observational study

Objective:Several studies have found that epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG)can alleviate acute radiation-induced esophagitis,inhibit pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis,and reduce the severity of cardiovascular disease.Therefore,this study was aimed at exploring the influence of EGCG on late radiation toxicity in the heart,esophagus,and lungs among patients with locally advanced lung cancer.Methods:The patients were divided into an EGCG group and a control group,the groups received EGCG and symptomatic treatment,respectively.The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Late Radiation Morbidity Scoring Scheme was used to determine the late toxicity scores.Tumor responses were evaluated by chest computed tomography(CT),based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1.Results:We retrospectively analyzed 74 patients treated at our hospital from September 2012 to September 2016(37 patients received EGCG and 37 received supportive treatment).The late toxicity scores of the EGCG group decreased compared to those of the control group.An obvious clinical significance was observed for the oral EGCG solution in the treatment and prevention of late cardiac,esophageal,and pulmonary toxicity.However,no significant difference was found(P>0.05).The tumor response rates were similar in the two groups.Moreover,there was no difference in progression-free survival(PFS)between the groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Oral EGCG solution might alleviate radiation-induced late cardiac,esophageal,and pulmonary toxicity but has no significant effect on the tumor response rate and PFS following radiotherapy.