Electrochemistry will play a vital role in creating sustainable energy solutions in the future, particularly for the conversion and storage of electrical into chemical energy in electrolysis cells, and the reverse conversion and utilization of the stored energy in galvanic cells. The common challenge in both processes is the development of-preferably abundant-nanostructured materials that can catalyze the electrochemical reactions of interest with a high rate over a sufficiently long period of time. An overall understanding of the related processes and mechanisms occurring under the operation conditions is a necessity for the rational design of materials that meet these requirements. A promising strategy to develop such an understanding is the investigation of the impact of material properties on reaction activity/selectivity and on catalyst stability under the conditions of operation, as well as the application of complementary in situ techniques for the investigation of catalyst structure and composition.

Oxygen electrochemistry as a cornerstone for sustainable energy conversion

The number of research reports published in recent years on electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen generation is higher than for many other fields of energy research. In fact, electrochemical water splitting, which is conventionally known as water electrolysis, has the potential to meet primary energy requirements in the near future when coal and hydrocarbons are completely consumed. Due to the sudden and exponentially increasing attention on this field, many researchers across the world, including our group, have been exerting immense efforts to improve the electrocatalytic properties of the materials that catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the cathode, aided by the recent revolutionary discovery of nanomaterials. However, the pressure on the researchers to publish their findings rapidly has caused them to make many unnoticed and unintentional errors, which is mainly due to lack of clear insight on the activity parameters. In this perspective, we have discussed the use and validity of ten important parameters, namely overpotential at a defined current density, iR-corrected overpotential at a defined current density, Tafel slope, exchange current density (j0), mass activity, specific activity, faradaic efficiency (FE), turnover frequency (TOF), electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) and measurement of double layer capacitance (Cdl) for different electrocatalytic materials that are frequently employed in both OER and HER. Experimental results have also been provided in support of our discussions wherever required. Using our critical assessments of the activity parameters of water splitting electrocatalysis, researchers can ensure precision and correctness when presenting their data regarding the activity of an electrocatalyst.

Precision and correctness in the evaluation of electrocatalytic water splitting: revisiting activity parameters with a critical assessment

Oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions on Ru, RuO2, Ir, and IrO2 thin film electrodes in acidic and alkaline electrolytes: A comparative study on activity and stability

Electrocatalysis: understanding the success of DSA®

Physical electrochemistry of ceramic oxides

Surface properties of RuO2 + IrO2 mixed oxide electrodes

Effect of preparation on the surface and electrocatalytic properties of RuO2 + IrO2 mixed oxide electrodes

Surface Properties of RuO2-IrO2 Mixed Oxide Electrodes.

Objective
We sought to assess the efficacy of a hydrolyzed collagen supplement (Lapi Gelatine, Empoli, Italy) for improving skin moisturization and elasticity as well as the appearance of wrinkles.


Methods
A monocentric, randomized, controlled study was performed; the study included 52 volunteers who were divided into two groups. Twenty-six subjects took the collagen supplement and the other 26 participants received maltodextrin for a period of 56 days. Skin moisturization, skin elasticity, and wrinkle depth were instrumentally evaluated. Clinical parameters, including skin softness, skin firmness, skin smoothness, and the visibility of wrinkles were subjectively evaluated by a dermatologist. Finally, the gastrointestinal tolerability was evaluated during the period of treatment.


Results
Improvements in skin moisturization, skin elasticity and wrinkle depth were measured in the participants taking the hydrolyzed collagen after 28 days. In all enrolled participants, the results of the analysis of variance showed a statistically significant effect of the interaction between product and time. The evolution over time of the investigated parameters was significantly different between the participants taking the hydrolyzed collagen and the participants taking the maltodextrin. Furthermore, it was well tolerated and no adverse effects were recorded.

C. Angelinetta

Papers

Surface properties of RuO2 + IrO2 mixed oxide electrodes

Effect of preparation on the surface and electrocatalytic properties of RuO2 + IrO2 mixed oxide electrodes

Surface Properties of RuO2-IrO2 Mixed Oxide Electrodes.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Hydrolyzed Collagen Supplement for Improving Skin Moisturization, Smoothness, and Wrinkles.