Decoupling the anodic and cathodic behavior in asymmetric electrochemical hydroiodic acid decomposition cell for hydrogen production in the iodine-sulfur thermochemical cycle.

The HI section of the iodine-sulfur (I-S) thermochemical cycle for hydrogen production is one of the most energy-intensive sections and with significant material handling challenges, primarily due to the azeotrope formation and the corrosive nature of the hydroiodic acid-iodine-water mixture (HIx). As an alternative, the single-step direct electrochemical decomposition of the hydroiodic acid (HI) to generate hydrogen can circumvent the challenges associated with the conventional multistep HI section in the I-S cycle. In this work, we present new insights into the electrochemical HI decomposition process by deconvoluting the contributions from the anodic and the cathodic sections in the electrochemical cell system, specifically, the redox reactions involved and the overpotential contribution of the individual sections (anolyte and catholyte) in the overall performance. The studies on the redox reactions indicate that the HIx solution output from the Bunsen reaction section should be used as the anolyte. In contrast, aqueous HI without any iodine (I2) should be used as the catholyte. In the anodic section, the oxidation proceeds with I2 as the final oxidized species at low bias potentials. Higher positive potentials result in iodate formation along with oxygen evolution. For the catholyte section, I2 and tri-iodide ion reduction precede the hydrogen evolution reaction when I2 is present along with HI. Furthermore, the potential required for hydrogen production becomes more negative with an increasing I2/HI ratio in the catholyte. Polarization studies were conducted with simultaneous deconvolution of the anodic and cathodic behavior in a two-compartment cell. Model fitting of the polarization data revealed that the anolyte section's activation overpotential is negligibly low. In contrast, the activation overpotential requirement of the catholyte section is higher and dictates the onset of hydrogen production in the cell. Furthermore, the catholyte section dominates the total overpotential losses in the cell system. Operation in the ohmic resistance-dominated zone resulted in close to 90% current efficiency for the electrochemical HI decomposition. The results highlight that the potential for process improvement lies in reducing the ohmic resistance of the anolyte section and in lowering the activation overpotential of hydrogen evolution in the catholyte section.

Pheochromocytoma disguised as gestational hypertensive disease during pregnancy: A case report.

Pheochromocytoma is often diagnosed prior to pregnancy. Sometimes, the disease may be diagnosed for the first-time during pregnancy masking itself as a hypertensive disease in pregnancy. Early diagnosis and timely, appropriate management reduce possible maternal and fetal complications. We identified a case of pheochromocytoma during pregnancy misdiagnosed as preeclampsia.

Advancing Electrode Properties through Functionalization for Solid Oxide Cells Application: A Review.

Hydrogen energy has emerged as the only renewable which is capable of sustaining the prevalent energy crisis in conjunction with other intermittent sources. In this connection, solid oxide cell (SOC) is the most sustainable solid-state devices capable of recycling and reproducing green hydrogen fuel. It is operable in reversible modes viz, fuel cell (FC) and electrolysis cell (EC). SOC is capable of engaging multiple fuels thereby promoting carbon neutral planet. The all-solid design further augments the optimization of cost, efficiency, durability and endurance at higher temperature. Electrodes are therefore, an important component which is responsible for electrocatalytic processing of fuel and oxidant for higher recyclability of cell/stack. The present review article embarks a detailed overview on the past and present status of electrode composition, heterointerface engineering applicable for SOC's. Recent trends in electrode engineering and the possibilities for advancement in SOC is also reviewed with respect to both experimental and computational aspects.

Delayed Diagnosis of Pemphigus Vulgaris Initially Presenting as an Oral Ulcer: A Case Report.

Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering disease clinically presenting as vesicles, bullae, and erosion and histologically characterized by suprabasal split and acantholysis. It usually affects mucous membranes and skin. Recurrent oral ulcers can only be the clinical manifestation before progressing into skin lesions. This can lead to the delayed diagnosis of this disease. Here we report a case of pemphigus vulgaris which was diagnosed after years of suffering from an oral ulcer that eventually progressed to widespread skin blistering and ulceration. The patient was treated with oral prednisolone which showed improvement within a week. Physicians should consider the differential diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris in patients presenting with a recurrent oral ulcer. Keywords: delayed diagnosis; oral ulcer; pemphigus vulgaris.

Prudent Practices in ex†situ Durability Analysis Using Cyclic Voltammetry for Platinum-based Electrocatalysts.

Platinum (Pt)-based electrocatalysts are at the vanguard of research initiatives to meet activity and durability targets for promoting large-scale adoption of fuel cell vehicles. Ex situ characterization of electrocatalyst activity and durability using cyclic voltammetry (CV) has a steep learning curve. Thus, many researchers who do not receive formal training in electrochemistry are left unsure how to proceed. Herein, we identify and compile prudent practices for reliable assessment of ECSA values with examples from our research on nanoscale catalytic films formed by the self-terminating electrodeposition of Pt. Starting with a conceptual framework to understand typical features in the CV of reversible redox couples, we present prudent practices in acquiring CV data aimed at nonelectrochemists. We then highlight specific features related to ECSA computation from Pt CV. Finally, we suggest safeguards that help avoid missteps and achieve repeatable results while conducting ex situ durability tests that extend over days.