Anodized metal oxide nanostructures for photoelectrochemical water splitting

Photoelectrochemical(PEC) water splitting offers the capability of harvesting, storing, and converting solar energy into clean and sustainable hydrogen energy. Metal oxides are appealing photoelectrode materials because of their easy manufacturing and relatively high stability. In particular, metal oxides prepared by electrochemical anodization are typical of ordered nanostructures, which are beneficial for light harvesting, charge transfer and transport, and the adsorption and desorption of reactive species due to their high specific surface area and rich channels. However, bare anodic oxides still suffer from low charge separation and sunlight absorption efficiencies. Accordingly, many strategies of modifying anodic oxides have been explored and investigated. In this review, we attempt to summarize the recent advances in the rational design and modifications of these oxides from processes before, during, and after anodization. Rational design strategies are thoroughly addressed for each part with an aim to boost overall PEC performance. The ongoing efforts and challenges for future development of practical PEC electrodes are also presented.

Lingual nerve injury caused by laryngeal mask airway during percutaneous nephrolithotomy:A case report

BACKGROUND Lingual nerve injury(LNI)is a rare complication following the use of laryngeal mask airway(LMA).The occurrence of this unexpected complication causes uncomfortable symptoms in patients and worsens their quality of life.We present an unusual case of LNI caused by the use of an LMA in percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL).CASE SUMMARY A 49-year-old man presented to our hospital with a 3-year history of intermittent left lower back pain.Abdominal computed tomography showed a 25 mm×20 mm stone in the left renal pelvis.PCNL surgery using LMA was performed to remove the renal stone.The patient reported numbness on the tip of his tongue after the operation,but there were no signs of swelling or trauma.The patient was diagnosed with LNI after other possible causes were ruled out.The symptom of numbness eventually improved after conservative medical therapy for 1 wk.The patient completely recovered 3 wk after surgery.CONCLUSION This is the first case report describing LNI with the use of LMA in PCNL.In our case,an inappropriate LMA size,intraoperative movement,and a specific surgical position might be potential causes of this rare complication.

Progress in organic photocatalysts

Organic materials have advantages of diversity,ease of functionality, self-assembly, etc. The varied mechanistic pathways also make it conceivable to design an appropriate photocatalyst for an identical reaction. From this perspective, organic photocatalysts find wide applications in homogeneous, heterogeneous photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical（PEC） solar cells. In this review, the form of the employed organic photocatalysts ranging from molecules, supported molecules, to nanostructures or thinfilm aggregates will be firstly discussed. Rational design strategies relating to each form are also provided, aiming to enhance the photoenergy conversion efficiency. Finally,the ongoing directions for future improvement of organic materials in high-quality optoelectronic devices are also proposed.