Controlled Selectivity for Ethanol Steam Reforming Reaction over Doped CeO2 Surfaces: The Role of Gallium

The ethanol steam reforming reaction, together with the adsorption and decomposition of ethanol was studied on CeO2 and gallium-doped ceria (CeGaOx) by a combined experimental and theoretical approach using infrared spectroscopy (IR), mass spectrometry (MS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. At 100°C, different types of monodentate ethoxy species were identified as standing-up (SU) on Ce4+ and lying-down (LD) on Ce4+ and Ga3+, with the alkyl chain more perpendicular or parallel to the surface, respectively. It is suggested that the incorporation of Ga into the ceria lattice changes the decomposition pathway of LD species, which converts to acetate instead of ethylene, attributed to the increased lattice oxygen lability in the Ce-O-Ga interface upon doping and the propensity to form Ga-H surface species. Under ethanol steam reforming conditions, Ga doping of ceria-based materials has a drastic effect by improving the H2:CO2 ratio, changing the product distribution and reducing coke formation

New drugs in early-stage clinical trials for allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common allergic disease, and it has a relevant impact on the quality of life of the patient. Treatment of AR includes a combination of strategies of proven efficacy and effectiveness; however, a relevant proportion of patients remain uncontrolled. Areas covered: This review article summarizes emerging therapeutic approaches to AR; these approaches include nasal sprays, oral drugs, alternative allergen immunotherapy administration routes, and biologic agents. Expert opinion: The agents discussed require further clinical trials to prove their efficacy in the treatment of AR. Some of these agents, in particular, allergen immunotherapies and biologics, have the potential to form crucial precision medicine approaches to AR. Those that prove their efficacy in clinical trials must also be evaluated from a pharmacoeconomic perspective, possibly in real-life studies; this will define which therapeutic strategies achieve the most convenient and cost-effective ratio, thus yielding a novel opportunity for the most severe and previously treatment-resistant allergic patients