The
coordinated configuration of atomic platinum (Pt) has always
been identified as an active site with high intrinsic activity for
hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, we purposely synthesize
single vacancies in a carbon matrix (defective graphene) that can
trap atomic Pt to form the Pt–C3 configuration,
which gives exceptionally high reactivity for HER in both acidic and
alkaline solutions. The intrinsic activity of Pt–C3 site is valued with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 26.41 s–1 and mass activity of 26.05 A g–1 at 100 mV, respectively,
which are both nearly 18 times higher than those of commercial 20
wt % Pt/C. It is revealed that the optimal coordination Pt–C3 has a stronger electron-capture ability and lower Gibbs free
energy difference (ΔG), resulting in promoting
the reduction of adsorbed H+ and the acceleration of H2 desorption, thus exhibiting the extraordinary HER activity.
This work provides a new insight on the unique coordinated configuration
of dispersive atomic Pt in defective C matrix for superior HER performance.
A tunnel between RNA polymerases
Eukaryotes encode five multiple-subunit, DNA-dependent RNA polymerases, of which Pol I, Pol II, and Pol III function as single units to produce cellular single-stranded RNA. The plant-specific Pol IV forms a complex with RDR2 (an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase) to produce double-stranded precursors of small interfering RNA essential for genomic DNA methylation. Huang
et al
. determined the cryo–electron microscopy structures of the Pol IV-RDR2 complex. The structures show that Pol IV and RDR2 connect their active centers through an inner RNA transfer channel and that Pol IV reverses transcription direction and hands over its transcript directly through the channel to RDR2 for the production of the second strand of the double-stranded RNA. —DJ
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