Ultra‑Efficient and Cost‑Effective Platinum Nanomembrane Electrocatalyst for Sustainable Hydrogen Production

Hydrogen production through hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)offers a promising solution to combat climate change by replacing fossil fuels with clean energy sources.However,the widespread adoption of efficient electrocatalysts,such as platinum(Pt),has been hindered by their high cost.In this study,we developed an easy-to-implement method to create ultrathin Pt nanomembranes,which catalyze HER at a cost significantly lower than commercial Pt/C and comparable to non-noble metal electrocatalysts.These Pt nanomembranes consist of highly distorted Pt nanocrystals and exhibit a heterogeneous elastic strain field,a characteristic rarely seen in conventional crystals.This unique feature results in significantly higher electrocatalytic efficiency than various forms of Pt electrocatalysts,including Pt/C,Pt foils,and numerous Pt singleatom or single-cluster catalysts.Our research offers a promising approach to develop highly efficient and cost-effective low-dimensional electrocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production,potentially addressing the challenges posed by the climate crisis.

Antibody-platinum(IV)prodrugs conjugates for targeted treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Antibody-drug conjugates(ADCs)are a new type of targeting antibodies that conjugate with highly toxic anticancer drugs via chemical linkers to exert high specificity and efficient killing of tumor cells,thereby attracting considerable attention in precise oncology therapy.Cetuximab(Cet)is a typical antibody that offers the benefits of good targeting and safety for individuals with advanced and inoperable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma(cSCC);however,its anti-tumor activity is limited to a single use.Cisplatin(CisPt)shows good curative effects;however,its adverse effects and non-tumor-targeting ability are major drawbacks.In this study,we designed and developed a new ADC based on a new cytotoxic platinum(IV)prodrug(C8Pt(IV))and Cet.The so-called antibody-platinum(IV)prodrugs conjugates,named Cet-C8Pt(IV),showed excellent tumor targeting in cSCC.Specifically,it accurately delivered C8Pt(IV)into tumor cells to exert the combined anti-tumor effect of Cet and CisPt.Herein,metabolomic analysis showed that Cet-C8Pt(IV)promoted cellular apoptosis and increased DNA damage in cSCC cells by affecting the vitamin B6 metabolic pathway in tumor cells,thereby further enhancing the tumor-killing ability and providing a new strategy for clinical cancer treatment using antibody-platinum(IV)prodrugs conjugates.

Highly mass activity electrocatalysts with ultralow Pt loading on carbon black for hydrogen evolution reaction

Pt-based nanocatalysts offer excellent prospects for various industries.However,the low loading of Pt with excellent performance for efficient and stable nanocatalysts still presents a considerable challenge.In this study,nanocatalysts with ultralow Pt content,excellent performance,and carbon black as support were prepared through in-situ synthesis.These~2-nm particles uniformly and stably dispersed on carbon black because of the strong s-p-d orbital hybridizations between carbon black and Pt,which suppressed the agglomeration of Pt ions.This unique structure is beneficial for the hydrogen evolution reaction.The catalysts exhibited remarkable catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction,exhibiting a potential of 100 mV at 100 mA·cm^(-2),which is comparable to those of commercial Pt/C catalysts.Mass activity(1.61 A/mg)was four times that of a commercial Pt/C catalyst(0.37 A/mg).The ultralow Pt loading(6.84wt%)paves the way for the development of next-generation electrocatalysts.

Physiology and health assessment,risk balance,and model for endstage liver disease scores:Postoperative outcome of liver transplantation

BACKGROUND Liver transplantation aims to increase the survival of patients with end-stage liver diseases and improve their quality of life.The number of organs available for transplantation is lower than the demand.To provide fair organ distribution,predictive mortality scores have been developed.AIM To compare the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV(APACHE IV),balance of risk(BAR),and model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)scores as predictors of mortality.METHODS Retrospective cohort study,which included 283 adult patients in the postoperative period of deceased donor liver transplantation from 2014 to 2018.RESULTS The transplant recipients were mainly male,with a mean age of 58.1 years.Donors were mostly male,with a mean age of 41.6 years.The median cold ischemia time was 3.1 hours,and the median intensive care unit stay was 5 days.For APACHE IV,a mean of 59.6 was found,BAR 10.7,and MELD 24.2.The 28-day mortality rate was 9.5%,and at 90 days,it was 3.5%.The 28-day mortality prediction for APACHE IV was very good[area under the curve(AUC):0.85,P<0.001,95%CI:0.76-0.94],P<0.001,BAR(AUC:0.70,P<0.001,95%CI:0.58–0.81),and MELD(AUC:0.66,P<0.006,95%CI:0.55-0.78),P<0.008.At 90 days,the data for APACHE IV were very good(AUC:0.80,P<0.001,95%CI:0.71–0.90)and moderate for BAR and MELD,respectively,(AUC:0.66,P<0.004,95%CI:0.55–0.77),(AUC:0.62,P<0.026,95%CI:0.51–0.72).All showed good discrimination between deaths and survivors.As for the best value for liver transplantation,it was significant only for APACHE IV(P<0.001).CONCLUSION The APACHE IV assessment score was more accurate than BAR and MELD in predicting mortality in deceased donor liver transplant recipients.

负压封闭引流联合保留臀上动脉浅支的臀大肌肌皮瓣修复骶尾部IV期压疮的临床效果

目的:探讨负压封闭引流联合保留臀上动脉浅支的臀大肌旋转肌皮瓣修复骶尾部压疮的临床效果。方法:选取2019年6月—2023年10月温州医科大学附属第一医院收治的12例骶尾部压疮患者,其中男7例,女5例,年龄31~86岁。入院后I期予行负压封闭引流术,4~7 d后行保留臀上动脉浅支的臀大肌肌皮瓣修复创面。观察术后皮瓣成活情况、并发症发生情况,随访观察皮瓣外形、压疮复发情况。结果:本组12例患者,均因长期卧床致骶尾部受压出现IV期压疮,压疮病因:截瘫患者5例,各种原因所致的长期卧床患者7例,其中脑梗死后遗症患者2例,帕金森病患者3例,老年痴呆症患者1例,股骨颈骨折患者1例。病程2周至8年,清创后创面面积为5.0 cm×5.0 cm~10.0 cm×12.0 cm。12例患者术后皮瓣均完全成活,无皮瓣坏死、静脉淤血、创缘开裂等发生。术后随访2~6个月,皮瓣外形较佳、骶尾部软组织饱满、压疮无复发。结论:保留臀上动脉浅支的臀大肌旋转肌皮瓣血运可靠,设计、操作简单,皮瓣可修复面积大,切取不需要离断臀上动脉浅支,供瓣区一般能直接缝合,修复骶尾部压疮效果较佳。

基于MIMIC-IV构建及评估脓毒症患者近期和远期死亡风险预测模型

目的:鉴于脓毒症的高发病率和高病死率,早期识别高风险患者并及时干预至关重要,而现有死亡风险预测模型在操作、适用性和预测长期预后等方面均存在不足。本研究旨在探讨脓毒症患者死亡的危险因素,构建近期和远期死亡风险预测模型。方法:从美国重症监护医学信息数据库IV(Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV,MIMIC-IV)中选取符合脓毒症3.0诊断标准的人群,按7?3的比例随机分为建模组和验证组,分析患者的基线资料。采用单因素Cox回归分析和全子集回归确定脓毒症患者死亡的危险因素并筛选出构建预测模型的变量。分别用时间依赖性曲线下面积(area under the curve,AUC)、校准曲线和决策曲线评估模型的区分度、校准度和临床实用性。结果:共纳入14240例脓毒症患者,28 d和1年病死率分别为21.45%(3054例)和36.50%(5198例)。高龄、女性、高感染相关器官衰竭评分(sepsis-related organ failure assessment,SOFA)、高简明急性生理学评分(simplified acute physiology score II,SAPS II)、心率快、呼吸频率快、脓毒症休克、充血性心力衰竭、慢性阻塞性肺疾病、肝脏疾病、肾脏疾病、糖尿病、恶性肿瘤、高白细胞计数(white blood cell count,WBC)、长凝血酶原时间(prothrombin time,PT)、高血肌酐(serum creatinine,SCr)水平均为脓毒症死亡的危险因素(均P<0.05)。由PT、呼吸频率、体温、合并恶性肿瘤、合并肝脏疾病、脓毒症休克、SAPS II及年龄8个变量构建的模型,其28 d和1年生存的AUC分别为0.717(95%CI 0.710~0.724)和0.716(95%CI 0.707~0.725)。校准曲线和决策曲线表明该模型具有良好的校准度及较好的临床应用价值。结论:基于MIMIC-IV建立的脓毒症患者近期和远期死亡风险预测模型有较好的识别能力,对患者预后风险评估及干预治疗具有一定的临床参考意义。

Platinum recovery from dilute platinum solutions using activated carbon

Platinum adsorption on activated carbon,a common adsorbent,from dilute platinum-containing solution of 57.6 mg/L was investigated.The effects of different adsorption parameters on the platinum adsorption were reported in detail.The percentage of platinum adsorption increased with increasing the amount of adsorbent,as well as with increasing contact time and temperature.A platinum adsorption of 75% was obtained using 400 mg of activated carbon at a shaking rate of 200 r/min for 3 h at 25 ℃.A platinum adsorption of 88%,however,was obtained at 80 ℃ using 200 mg of activated carbon within only 1 h,which indicates that temperature plays a vital role in the adsorption process.A platinum adsorption of 99% or above was attained using 400 mg of activated carbon after contact for 3 h at 80 ℃.

Yixunite and Damiaoite—A Twin of New Native Alloys of Indium and Platinum from the Yanshan Mountains

Yixunite and damiaoite Were found in a cobalt- and copper-bearing platinum ore vein of a contact metasomatic deposit. The chief ore minerals are bornite, chalcopyrite, magnetite and carrollite. The platinum minerals include moncheite, sperrylite, daomanite, cobalt malanite and cooperite. Yixunite and damiaoite occur as immiscible globules, 1.0 to 2.0 mm in diameter. Yixunite is always in the central part of a globule. It is opaque with metallic lustre, bright white colour and black streak. HM = 5.8; VHN50 = 634 kg/mm2 (573-681 kg/ mm2); insoluble in HCl, HNO3, HF or H3PO4; no cleavage; no magnetism. Density is hard to measure because of small grain size. Calculated density = 18.21 g/cm3. Reflective colour is bright white with a yellowish tint. Isotropic. The mean analytical results (ranges) (%) are: Pt 82.8 (81.8-83.6), In 16.4(15.6-17.1) and total 99.2. The empirical formula (based on 4 atoms) is Pt2.993 In1.007 . The five strongest lines of X-ray diffraction (hkl, d,I) are 111, 2.30 (100); 200, 1.99 (60); 202, 1.411 (40);311, 1.203 (80); 222, 1.151(40). Space group: Pm3m with a =0.3988(3) nm and Z= 1. Damiaoite occurs as single globules or was exsolved from yixunite. Opaque with metallic lustre; bright white colour with black streak; HM = 5.3; VHN50 = 485 kg/mm2 (434-529 kg/mm2); insoluble in HC1, HNO3, HF or H3PO4; cleavage: no; magnetism: no. Density: hard to measure because of small grain size. Calculated density = 10.95 g/ cm3. Reflective colour is bright white with a yellowish tint. Isotropic. The mean analytical results (ranges) (%) are Pt 45.6 (45.4-46.0), In 53.5 (52.4-53.9), total 99.1. The empirical formula (based on 3 atoms) is Pt0.002 In1.998. The six strongest lines of X-ray diffraction (hkl.d,I) are 220,2.25 (100); 311,1.92 (60); 400,1.59 (60); 422,1.299 (80); 440,1.125 (60); 620,1.006 (70). Space group: Fm3m with a = 0.6364 (3) nm and Z = 4.

Fabrication of highly dispersed platinum-deposited porous g-C_3N_4 by a simple in situ photoreduction strategy and their excellent visible light photocatalytic activity toward aqueous 4-fluorophenol degradation

A series of highly dispersed platinum‐deposited porous g‐C3N4 (Pt/pg‐C3N4) were successfully fabricated by a simple in situ photoreduction strategy using chloroplatinic acid and porous g‐C3N4 as precursors. Porous g‐C3N4 was fabricated by a pretreatment strategy using melamine as a raw material.The morphology, porosity, phase, chemical structure, and optical and electronic properties ofas‐prepared Pt/pg‐C3N4 were characterized. The photocatalytic activity of as‐prepared Pt/pg‐C3N4was preliminarily evaluated by the degradation of aqueous azo dyes methyl orange under visible light irradiation. The as‐prepared Pt/pg‐C3N4 were further applied to the degradation and mineralization of aqueous 4‐fluorophenol. The recyclability of Pt/pg‐C3N4 was evaluated under four consecutive photocatalytic runs.

Efficacy of platinum in advanced triple-negative breast cancer with germline BRCA mutation determined by next generation sequencing

Objective:To compare the efficacy of platinum-and non-platinum-based regimens as first-line treatment for advanced triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)and analyze the relationship between their efficacy and BRCA gene status.Methods:Retrospectively analyze clinical data of 220 patients diagnosed pathologically with advanced TNBC and treated at the Department of Breast Oncology,Peking University Cancer Hospital from 2013 to 2018 and evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy.A total of 114 patients had BRCA1/2 gene tested by next generation sequencing(NGS)using peripheral blood,and we analyzed the correlation between their efficacy and BRCA1/2 gene status.Results:Non-platinum-based chemotherapy(NPCT)was administered to 129 and platinum-based chemotherapy(PBCT)to 91 study patients.The clinical benefit rate(CBR)and median progression-free survival(PFS)were not statistically different between NPCT and PBCT groups.The median overall survival(OS)was 30.0 and 22.5 months for PBCT and NPCT group,respectively[P=0.090,hazard ratios(HR)=0.703].BRCA status was assessed in 114 patients,14 of whom had deleterious germline BRCA1/2(g BRCA)mutations(seven in each group).In PBCT group,the CBR was 85.7%and 35.1%for patients with and without deleterious g BRCA mutations,respectively(P=0.039).The median PFS were 14.9 and 5.3 months and median OS were 26.5 and 15.5 months for patients with and without deleterious g BRCA mutations,respectively(P=0.001,P=0.161,respectively).Patients in PBCT group had significantly greater rates of grade 3-4 anemia(5.5%vs.0%)and thrombocytopenia(8.8%vs.0%),whereas palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia(12.4%vs.0%)and peripheral neuropathy(8.6%vs.1.1%)occurred more frequently in NPCT group.Conclusions:Platinum-based regimens are more effective in patients with deleterious g BRCA mutations,but no difference in patients without BRCA gene mutations,so non-platinum is an option in patients without BRCA gene mutations considering the toxicity and side effect.And we recommend that patients with advanced TNBC should have BRCA gene test.

Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Graphite Nanofibers Prepared by Microwave Irradiation and Its Electrocatalytic Activity

Platinum nanoparticles supported on graphite nanofibers (GNFs) were prepared bymicrowave assistant heating polyol process. TEM images showed that microwave prepared Ptnanoparticles supported on GNFs were small and uniform, and the average diameter was about 3.4nm. Cyclic voltammetric test showed that Pt/GNFs exhibited very high electrocatalytic activity formethanol oxidation.

Structure of Cytochromec and Its Platinum-modified Derivatives by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

The secondary structures of native cytochrome c(cyt c) in both solid and solution states and four platinum modified cyt c derivatives in solution were determined by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was found that the secondary structure of cyt c in solid state is similar to that in the solution. In the cases of platinum modified cyt c derivatives, when the binding sites of platinum complex are on or near the surface of the protein, its secondary structure is similar to that of native cyt c. However, when the platinum complex binds to Met 80 ligand and causes the replacement of the second axial ligand by non native Lys 79 ligand or H 2O supplied by solvent, there is a significant difference between the structures of low or high spin state cyt c derivatives and that of native cyt c. The results suggest that axial ligand Met 80 residue plays an important role in stabilizing the secondary structure of cyt c.

Insights into platinum-induced peripheral neuropathy–current perspective

Cancer is a global health problem that is often successfully addressed by therapy, with cancer survivors increasing in numbers and living longer world around. Although new cancer treatment options are continuously explored, platinum based chemotherapy agents remain in use due to their efficiency and availability. Unfortunately, all cancer therapies affect normal tissues as well as cancer, and more than 40 specific side effects of platinum based drugs documented so far decrease the quality of life of cancer survivors. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a frequent side effects of platinum-based chemotherapy agents. This cluster of complications is often so debilitating that patients occasionally have to discontinue the therapy. Sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglia are at the core of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms. In these postmitotic cells, DNA damage caused by platinum chemotherapy interferes with normal functioning. Accumulation of DNA-platinum adducts correlates with neurotoxic severity and development of sensation of pain. While biochemistry of DNA-platinum adducts is the same in all cell types, molecular mechanisms affected by DNA-platinum adducts are different in cancer cells and non-dividing cells. This review aims to raise awareness about platinum associated chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy as a medical problem that has remained unexplained for decades. We emphasize the complexity of this condition both from clinical and mechanistical point of view and focus on recent findings about chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in in vitro and in vivo model systems. Finally, we summarize current perspectives about clinical approaches for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy treatment.

MODIFICATION OF TRANSITION METAL CATIONS TO POLYMER-STABILIZED PLATINUM COLLOIDAL CLUSTERS IN ENANTIOSELECTIVE HYDROGENATION OF METHYL PYRUVATE

Modification of transition metal cations to polymer-stabilized Pt colloidal clusters modified with cinchonidine was studied in enantioselective hydrogenation of methyl pyruvate.Compared to the enantiomeric excess(e.e.)value(71.4%) obtained without the presence of metal cations,obvious e.e.enhancement(up to 82.5%)was resulted from the addition of Zn^(2+) but with a certain decrease in activity.The reaction parameters in the presence of Zn^(2+) were also studied.It was found that the Pt colloidal catalysts in the presence of metal cations performed very differently from that in the absence of metal cations.

Extraction of gold, palladium, and platinum from acidic media with cyclic sulfoxide derivative

The extraction of gold （Ⅲ）, palladium （Ⅱ）, and platinum （Ⅳ） from the acidic media with the cyclic sulfoxide derivative of α-dodecyl-tetrahydrothiophene 1-oxide （dtmso） was investigated. Gold （Ⅲ）, palladium （Ⅱ）, and platinum （Ⅳ） could be separated from the acidic media with suitable sulfoxide concentration and acidity. The extraction reaction of gold （Ⅲ）, palladium （Ⅱ） or platinum （Ⅳ） is exothermic when dtmso is used as an extracting reagent. The coordination number was studied by the slope method. The results indicate that, in high acidity, the dtmso coordination number for extracting gold （Ⅲ） or palladium （Ⅱ） is 3, and that for platinum （Ⅳ） is 2. UV and FT-IR spectra were used to analyze the structure of the complex. Gold （Ⅲ） is coordinated with the oxygen atom in S=O group in dtmso, and palladium （Ⅱ） or platinum （Ⅳ） is coordinated with the sulfur atom in S=O group in dtmso.

Composition-controlled synthesis of platinum and palladium nanoalloys as highly active electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation

Platinum and palladium(PtPd)alloy nanoparticles(NPs)are excellent catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells.In this study,we developed PtPd alloy NPs through the co‐reduction of K2PtCl4and Na2PdCl4in a polyol synthesis environment.During the reaction,the feed molar ratio of the two precursors was carried over to the final products,which have a narrow size distribution with a mean size of approximately4nm.The catalytic activity for methanol oxidation reactions possible depends closely on the composition of as‐prepared PtPd alloy NPs,and the NPs with a Pt atomic percentage of approximately75%result in higher activity and stability with a mass specific activity that is7times greater than that of commercial Pt/C catalysts.The results indicate that through composition control,PtPd alloy NPs can improve the effectiveness of catalytic performance.

Association between homologous recombination deficiency and outcomes with platinum and platinum-free chemotherapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer

Objective:The choice of chemotherapeutic regimen for triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)remains controversial.Homologous recombination deficiency(HRD)has attracted increasing attention in informing chemotherapy treatment.This study was aimed at investigating the feasibility of HRD as a clinically actionable biomarker for platinum-containing and platinum-free therapy.Methods:Chinese patients with TNBC who received chemotherapy between May 1,2008 and March 31,2020 were retrospectively analyzed with a customized 3D-HRD panel.HRD positivity was defined by an HRD score≥30 or deleterious BRCA1/2 mutation.A total of 386 chemotherapy-treated patients with TNBC were screened from a surgical cohort(NCT01150513)and a metastatic cohort,and 189 patients with available clinical and tumor sequencing data were included.Results:In the entire cohort,49.2%(93/189)of patients were identified as HRD positive(40 with deleterious BRCA1/2 mutations and 53 with BRCA1/2 intact with an HRD score of≥30).In the first-line metastatic setting,platinum therapy was associated with longer median progression-free survival(mPFS)than platinum-free therapy[9.1 vs.3.0 months;hazard ratio(HR),0.43;95%confidence interval 0.22–0.84;P=0.01].Among HRD-positive patients,the mPFS was significantly longer in those treated with platinum rather than platinum-free therapy(13.6 vs.2.0 months;HR,0.11;P=0.001).Among patients administered a platinum-free regimen,HRD-negative patients showed a PFS significantly superior to that of HRD-positive patients(P=0.02;treatment-biomarker P-interaction=0.001).Similar results were observed in the BRCA1/2-intact subset.In the adjuvant setting,HRD-positive patients tended to benefit more from platinum chemotherapy than from platinum-free chemotherapy(P=0.05,P-interaction=0.02).Conclusions:HRD characterization may guide decision-making regarding the use of platinum treatment in patients with TNBC in both adjuvant and metastatic settings.

Hydrogenation of ortho-nitrochlorobenzene on activated carbon supported platinum catalysts

Platinum/carbon catalyst is one of the most important catalysts in hydrogenation of ortho-nitrochlorobenzene to 2,2′-dichlorohydrazobenzene. The preparation process and the supports of catalysts are studied in this paper. Raw materials and preparation procedure of the activated carbon have great influences on the compositions and surface structure of platinum/carbon catalysts. Platinum catalysts supported on activated carbon with high purity, high surface area, large pore volume and appropriate pore structure usually exhibit higher activities for hydrogenation of ortho-nitrochlorobenzene to 2,2′-dichlorohydrazobenzene. The catalyst prepared from H2PtCl6 with pH=3 shows greater catalytic performance than those prepared under other conditions.

UV-Vis Spectrum and the Third-order Nonlinear Optical Properties of the Chiral Camphorderived β-diketonate Platinum Complexes

UV-Vis spectrum and the third-order nonlinear optical properties of the chiral camphor-derived β-diketonate have been studied at the B3LYP/6-31G＊ level. The results showed that the introduction of electron-drawing group -CF3 and -C3F7 on β-diketonate made the strongest absorption peak red-shift and the lowest energy absorption blue-shied. Introduction of -OC2H5 on the benzene or pyridine ring made the lowest energy absorption blue-shift. When the -C2H3 was introduced on the benzene or pyridine ring, the lowest energy absorption was red-shifted. Introduction of electron-donating group on β-diketonate can enlarge their nonlinear optical properties. On the contrary, the introduction of electron-drawing group dropped it down.

Adsorption and reduction of platinum(Ⅳ) chloride complex ions on activated carbon

The adsorption kinetics of platinum（IV） chloride complex ions on the activated carbon Norit GF40 was investigated. Experiments were carried out at different initial concentrations of Pt（IV） chloride complex ions, temperature, rate of mixing and pH. It was found that the value of activation energy of the studied process is equal to 19.7 kJ/mol. From the ICP MS analysis it was confirmed that platinum ions （Pt（IV） and Pt（II）） are removed from the solution due to the adsorption and are further reduced to the metallic state. Such mechanism was confirmed by XPS analysis which showed that on the carbon surface three forms of platinum species, i.e. Pt（0）, Pt（II） and Pt（IV）, exist. The presence of platinum in the solution at different oxidation states was also confirmed spectrophotometrically by identification of their characteristic absorption bands. The metallic form of Pt present on the surface of activated carbon was observed in the form of small spherical islands with the diameter not exceeding 500 nm. Those islands consist of smaller, flake-shape particles with a thickness of about 35 nm.