Advance Studies in Catalysis with Symmetry/Asymmetry

Dear Colleagues,

Symmetry and asymmetry play a basic role in catalysis, which significantly affects the efficiency, selectivity, and specificity of the chemical reaction. In the field of catalysis, symmetry refers to the distribution of ingredients and structures in catalysts, which may affect the formation of reaction pathways and products. On the other hand, asymmetry involves uneven distribution of ingredients or features in catalysts, which is especially important in asymmetric catalysis. Catalytic branches are essential for the production of organic molecules. In the molecule, the spatial arrangement of the molecular atom may lead to different biological activity. Asymmetric catalysis can give priority to form a differential structure, so selective synthesis with specific activity can be formed. This is particularly valuable in the pharmaceutical industry. In the pharmaceutical industry, the efficacy and safety of drugs depend on their treatment.

Symmetry and asymmetry in the catalytic system are the core of innovation research, which is aimed at developing more effective, selective, and sustainable catalytic processes. Understanding the basic principles of catalytic symmetry and asymmetry provides a new method for designing catalysts. These catalysts can push the response to the process of more environmental protection and economic benefits.

In light of these considerations, we plan to organize a Special Issue in Symmetry, titled “Advances in Catalysis with Symmetry/Asymmetry”. The theme is designed to explore the key role of symmetry and asymmetry in catalysis and clarify how these concepts affect catalytic performance, selectivity, and stability. This Special Issue will invite theory and experimental aspects that promote catalysis, including, but not limited to, catalytic systems with unique symmetric or asymmetric characteristics and the effect of catalyst symmetry on the reaction mechanism and pathway. Through research papers in different fields such as organic, inorganic, physical, and material chemistry, the Special Issue aims to comprehensively outline the current progress and encourage discussions on the future direction of the catalytic field. The key points are the design and synthesis of symmetric and asymmetric catalysts and the advanced characterization methods during the catalysis process.

Suitable topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Design and synthesis of symmetric and asymmetric catalysts;
• Methods for catalyst characterization;
• Optimization of parameters during the catalytic process;
• In situ characterization (SEM, TEM, XRD, optical microscopy, AFM, Raman, etc.,) of catalytic reactions;
• Simulations of catalysis mechanisms;
• Surface and interface chemistry in catalysis;
• Stability and regeneration of catalysts;
• Catalyst applications in energy conversion and storage;

Dr. Cheng Li
Dr. Hongkui Zheng
Dr. Xinran Li
Prof. Dr. Wei Huang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• symmetric and asymmetric catalysts
• catalyst characterization
• surface and interface catalysis