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Volume 15
Issue 11
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Catalysts, Volume 15, Issue 11 (November 2025) – 92 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Photo(electro)-catalysis has attracted attention for its use in green chemical transformation, including organic synthesis and environmental remediation. Semiconductor WO3 has great potential due to its suitable bandgap, visible-light response, high stability, and multi-electron transfer capability. This review examines the recent progress of WO3-based catalysts regarding construction strategies and applications. Firstly, the research background, functionalization methods, and possible reaction mechanisms for WO3 are introduced. Key factors like light absorption, charge transfer, and reusability are analyzed. Various application scenarios for green chemical conversion are also described. Finally, challenges and perspectives for WO3 materials are proposed. This review offers profound insights into efficient WO3 catalysts to guide future research. View this paper
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24 pages, 5091 KB  
Article
Simulation of CO2 Catalytic Absorption Process Using Amine Solutions Based on the Lattice Boltzmann Method
by Binbin Zhang, Nuogeng Sun, Ming Luo, Jing Jin, Qiulin Wang and Huancong Shi
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1093; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111093 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 596
Abstract
Carbon emission reduction strategies are crucial for addressing global climate change, with chemical absorption-based carbon capture technology being one of the core methods for achieving large-scale CO2 mitigation. The current research focus in chemical absorption lies in selecting blended amine–catalyst systems and [...] Read more.
Carbon emission reduction strategies are crucial for addressing global climate change, with chemical absorption-based carbon capture technology being one of the core methods for achieving large-scale CO2 mitigation. The current research focus in chemical absorption lies in selecting blended amine–catalyst systems and applying efficient absorption–desorption equipment. This study employs the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) to simulate the catalytic CO2 absorption process within an absorption column, obtaining data such as solution flow velocity, CO2 absorption rate, and temperature distribution. The simulation results align well with experimental data from a continuous pilot-scale setup. Furthermore, the effects of different operating parameters and catalyst conditions on the absorption process were investigated. The findings indicate that higher catalyst volume fractions and smaller catalyst particle sizes enhance CO2 absorption but may also lead to significant temperature rises across the column. Additionally, an optimized ternary amine–catalyst combination should be selected over a single amine to achieve superior CO2 absorption capacity. Provided that the cyclic loading capacity is maintained, the absorbent solution flow rate should be minimized to ensure optimal absorption efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Catalysis)
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23 pages, 4787 KB  
Article
Synthesis of Magnetic Modified Clays for the Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solutions by Catalytic Wet Peroxide Oxidation
by Zhaina A. Baimuratova, Adriano S. Silva, Seitzhan A. Orynbayev, Nazgul S. Murzakasymova, Rabiga M. Kudaibergenova, Helder T. Gomes and Marzhan S. Kalmakhanova
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1092; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111092 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 653
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to develop and study catalytically active magnetic composites based on natural clays of Kazakhstan for their use in the process of catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of organic dyes. The synthesized materials, MnFe2O4/Shymkent [...] Read more.
The purpose of this work was to develop and study catalytically active magnetic composites based on natural clays of Kazakhstan for their use in the process of catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of organic dyes. The synthesized materials, MnFe2O4/Shymkent and MnFe2O4/Ural, were obtained by intercalation of Fe2+, Fe3+, and Mn2+ ions into the interlayer spaces of natural aluminosilicates followed by heat treatment at 500 °C. The phase composition, morphology, and functional groups of the studied samples were characterized by the methods of elemental composition, X-Ray phase analysis, scanning electron microscopy, IR Fourier spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The catalytic activity of the modified clays was evaluated in the decomposition reaction of methylene blue (MB) using hydrogen peroxide. To identify the influencing factors, adsorption experiments were conducted, including studying the effect of the adsorbent dose, the effect of pH on the degree of MB removal, and evaluating the activity of modified clays during the CWPO process under mild reaction conditions. The experiments were carried out at an initial dye concentration of C0 = 50 mg/L, a catalyst dose of 0.25, 0.5, and 2.5 g/L, pH = 3 and 6, and a temperature of 50 °C. It was found that the degree of MB removal in adsorption experiments reaches 70% at a dose of 0.25 g/L and increases to 97.8–99% at 2.5 g/L. In terms of CWPO, with the addition of H2O2 complete degradation of MB was achieved within 120 min for MnFe2O4/Shymkent and 150 min for MnFe2O4/Ural. The high efficiency of the modified clays is explained by the formation of the MnFe2O4 ferritic spinel structure, an increase in porosity, specific surface area and hydrophilicity, as well as an improvement in the acid-base properties of the surface. The TGA results showed an increase in the thermal stability and uniformity of the composites. Thus, the developed magnetic composites can be considered as promising materials for the effective removal of organic pollutants from wastewater under mild CWPO conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Materials)
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18 pages, 3332 KB  
Article
Effect of Mn/Cu Ratio on the Structure–Performance Relationship of Spinel-Type Mn–Cu/Al2Ox Catalysts for Methanol Steam Reforming
by Qiang Zhang, Shiming Qiu, Yanfei Zheng and Yingying Huang
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1091; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111091 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 509
Abstract
The development of highly active, thermally stable, and low-CO-selective catalysts is critical for practical methanol steam reforming (MSR) to produce high-purity hydrogen for fuel cell applications. In this work, a series of Mn–Cu/Al2Ox catalysts with varying Mn/Cu/Al molar ratios were [...] Read more.
The development of highly active, thermally stable, and low-CO-selective catalysts is critical for practical methanol steam reforming (MSR) to produce high-purity hydrogen for fuel cell applications. In this work, a series of Mn–Cu/Al2Ox catalysts with varying Mn/Cu/Al molar ratios were synthesized via co-precipitation and systematically investigated to establish the relationship between composition, structure, and catalytic performance. XRD analysis revealed the formation of spinel-type CuAl2O4 and MnAl2O4 phases, with Mn preferentially occupying octahedral B-sites to form MnAl2O4, thereby inducing lattice distortion and inhibiting grain growth. SEM and TEM–EDS mapping confirmed uniform elemental distribution and a porous nanoscale morphology, while H2-TPR results suggested that increasing the Mn/Cu ratio strengthens Mn–Cu interactions, shifts Cu2+ reduction to higher temperatures, and enhances Cu dispersion (up to 26.11 m2/g). XPS analysis indicated that Mn doping enriches Mn3+ species and facilitates oxygen vacancy formation, which promotes water–gas shift (WGS) activity and suppresses CO formation. Catalytic testing (240–300 °C) showed that Mn2Cu2Al4Ox achieved the highest methanol conversion while maintaining low CO selectivity; in contrast, reducing the Mn/Cu ratio increased CO selectivity, detrimental to hydrogen purification. Stability tests under continuous steam exposure for 24 h demonstrated minimal activity loss (~2%) and negligible increase in CO selectivity (<1%), confirming excellent hydrothermal stability. The results indicate that tailoring the Mn/Cu ratio optimizes the balance between redox properties and metallic Cu dispersion, offering a promising route to design low-CO, durable catalysts for on-site hydrogen generation via MSR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts: Catalytic Materials and Processes for H2 and E-Fuel Production from Wastes)
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12 pages, 2673 KB  
Article
Synergistic Effect of Physicochemical Properties of Ni Nanofibrous Catalysts on Catalytic Performance for Methane Partial Oxidation
by Yuyao Ma, Yongtao Wang and Wenqing Wei
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1090; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111090 - 19 Nov 2025
Viewed by 424
Abstract
For supported catalysts, the synergistic effect of physicochemical properties (including oxygen storage capacity (OSC), metal–support interaction, dispersion, and reducibility) is crucial for methane partial oxidation (POM). This study aims to prepare Ni-based nanofibrous catalysts using traditional metal oxides (Al2O3, [...] Read more.
For supported catalysts, the synergistic effect of physicochemical properties (including oxygen storage capacity (OSC), metal–support interaction, dispersion, and reducibility) is crucial for methane partial oxidation (POM). This study aims to prepare Ni-based nanofibrous catalysts using traditional metal oxides (Al2O3, ZrO2, CeO2, Zr0.92(Y2O3)0.08O2−δ, and Ce0.9Gd0.1O2−δ) as supports via electrospinning, and thoroughly investigates the synergistic effect of the catalyst’s physicochemical properties on catalytic performance. For the Ni/Zr0.92(Y2O3)0.08O2−δ and Ni/Ce0.9Gd0.1O2−δ catalysts, doping significantly enhances Ni dispersion, reducibility, and OSC, thereby improving catalytic performance. The results demonstrate that the catalytic activity follows the following order: Ni/Ce0.9Gd0.1O2−δ > Ni/CeO2 > Ni/Zr0.92(Y2O3)0.08O2−δ > Ni/ZrO2 > Ni/Al2O3, which is closely associated with the synergistic effect of their physicochemical properties. In addition, this study focuses on elucidating the underlying mechanism by which the Gd3+ doping level influences the catalytic performance of the Ni/Ce0.9GdxO2−δ (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) catalysts. The Ni/Ce0.9Gd0.1O2−δ catalyst exhibits the optimal Ni dispersion, reducibility, and OSC, corresponding to the highest catalytic performance. This re-emphasizes the crucial role of the synergistic effect of the catalyst’s physicochemical properties in determining catalytic performance. Therefore, investigating this synergistic effect is essential for achieving superior catalytic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanostructured Catalysts)
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10 pages, 2796 KB  
Article
Hierarchical NiFeZn(OH)x/NiZn Electrode Achieving Durable High-Current-Density Oxygen Evolution
by Chuanyong Zhang, Ping Wang, Yu Wei, Xin Ding and Linlin Zhang
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1089; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111089 - 19 Nov 2025
Viewed by 478
Abstract
Oxygen evolution reaction (OER), a pivotal half-reaction in water splitting and renewable energy conversion, suffers from intrinsically sluggish kinetics, necessitating robust electrocatalysts to lower overpotential and enhance energy efficiency. Nickel-based substrates are particularly appealing due to their ability to form compact and stable [...] Read more.
Oxygen evolution reaction (OER), a pivotal half-reaction in water splitting and renewable energy conversion, suffers from intrinsically sluggish kinetics, necessitating robust electrocatalysts to lower overpotential and enhance energy efficiency. Nickel-based substrates are particularly appealing due to their ability to form compact and stable oxide layers; however, rationally constructing high-surface-area Ni supports remains a substantial challenge. Here, we develop a synergistic electrodeposition–etching strategy to fabricate clustered NiZn alloy nanowires on Ni foils, followed by mild chemical oxidation. This treatment that induces surface oxidation, promotes Fe incorporation, and drives in situ reconstruction into a nanosheet-like NiFeZn(OH)x catalytic layer. This integrated approach overcomes common issues associated with electrodeposited coatings on NiZn nanowire clusters, including poor hydrophilicity, weak adhesion, and uncontrollable morphology. The optimized NiFeZn(OH)x/NiZn/Ni electrode delivers outstanding OER performance in 1 M KOH, requiring only 229 mV to reach 100 mA cm−2, with a low Tafel slope of 31.6 mV dec−1, and demonstrates exceptional durability over 180 h of continuous operation without performance degradation. The superior catalytic behavior originates from the synergistic interplay between the high-surface-area NiZn nanowire scaffold and the dynamically reconstructed NiFeZn(OH)x active phase. This work provides a generalizable strategy for engineering efficient and durable OER electrodes, offering new design principles for Ni-based alloy supports in advanced electrocatalysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electrocatalysis)
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18 pages, 2897 KB  
Article
Aerobic Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid over a Bi-Promoted Pt/Al2O3 Catalyst
by Juan Du, Wanting Qiu, Sunbal Ayaz, Jian Long, Wenze Guo, Ling Zhao and Zhenhao Xi
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111088 - 18 Nov 2025
Viewed by 677
Abstract
2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a high-value biomass-derived monomer, serves as a crucial building block for sustainable polymers including polyesters, polyamides, and polyurethanes. This study systematically investigated the catalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to FDCA over Pt/Al2O3 and Pt–Bi/Al2O3 [...] Read more.
2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a high-value biomass-derived monomer, serves as a crucial building block for sustainable polymers including polyesters, polyamides, and polyurethanes. This study systematically investigated the catalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to FDCA over Pt/Al2O3 and Pt–Bi/Al2O3 catalysts. The 5Pt/Al2O3 catalyst yielded 60.6% FDCA after 12 h under optimized conditions (80 °C, 0.1 MPa O2, 1 equiv. Na2CO3). Remarkably, Bi-modified 5Pt–1Bi/Al2O3 catalyst dramatically enhanced catalytic performance, achieving 94.1% FDCA yield within 6 h under optimized conditions (80 °C, 1.5 MPa O2, 2 equiv. Na2CO3). Comprehensive characterization revealed that the exceptional activity originates from Bi–O–Pt interactions that modulate the electronic structure and oxidation state of Pt active sites, which facilitates the oxidation of intermediate 5-formyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (FFCA) to FDCA, the rate-limiting step of HMF oxidation. This work demonstrates an efficient Bi-promoted Pt catalytic system for FDCA production with significant potential for industrial application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Catalysis in Organic and Polymer Chemistry)
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15 pages, 4745 KB  
Article
Development and Kinetic Study of Novel Denitrification Catalysts Based on C3H6 Reductant
by Zhonghua Tang, Jingshu Ning, Xingyu Liu, Xingyu Liu, Shugang Xie, Junqiang Liu, Xin Pu, Bo Yu, Li Yang and Fang Liu
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111087 - 17 Nov 2025
Viewed by 588
Abstract
With the acceleration of industrialization, the demand for NOx abatement is becoming increasingly urgent. Finding safer and more stable reducing agent replacements and efficient catalysts is crucial for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) industrial NOx abatement. Low-temperature hydrocarbon-assisted NOx reduction (HC-SCR) [...] Read more.
With the acceleration of industrialization, the demand for NOx abatement is becoming increasingly urgent. Finding safer and more stable reducing agent replacements and efficient catalysts is crucial for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) industrial NOx abatement. Low-temperature hydrocarbon-assisted NOx reduction (HC-SCR) remains attractive for industrial abatement. A series of industrial-grade TiO2 support catalysts modified with a bimetallic MnCe active component, represented as TiO2-ig, was prepared by the impregnation method to test the NO conversion performance under a 200–400 °C window with C3H6 as a reducing agent, and the physical properties were characterized using the BET and XRF methods. Under the feed of 150 ppm NO, 150 ppm C3H6, and 3%O2—the optimal composition—Mn15Ce10/TiO2-ig catalyst exhibited the highest NOx conversion of 77.3% among industrial-grade TiO2 support catalysts, with the corresponding temperature reduced to 275 °C. Furthermore, a slight improvement in catalytic activity was observed upon changing the TiO2 support type. The industrial-grade and nano-sized TiO2 supports predominantly exhibited mesoporous structures, while the anatase TiO2 support contained a greater proportion of macropores. A steady-state kinetic model constructed for Mn15Ce10/TiO2-ig catalyst indicates that the NO reaction rate is independent of C3H6 and O2 concentrations at 200 and 250 °C. At 300 °C, C3H6 inhibits the reaction, while both O2 and NO promote it. Changes in activation energy and the pre-exponential factor suggest a mechanistic shift from adsorption-limited at lower temperatures to reaction-limited at higher temperatures. Overall, using industrial-grade TiO2 with MnCe promoters delivers meaningful NOx reduction in a low-temperature regime and provides kinetic insights relevant to process design for industrial C3H6-SCR. Full article
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2 pages, 119 KB  
Editorial
Feature Review Papers in Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering
by Evangelos Topakas and Jose M. Guisan
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1086; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111086 - 17 Nov 2025
Viewed by 565
Abstract
Biocatalysis and enzyme engineering continue to stand at the forefront of sustainable chemical innovation, providing powerful solutions for green manufacturing, environmental protection, and the circular bioeconomy [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering)
19 pages, 7988 KB  
Article
Ru-Modified α-MnO2 as an Efficient PMS Activator for Carbamazepine Degradation: Performance and Mechanism
by Panfeng Hu, Long Qin, Manman Feng, Yuanling Cheng, Pan Tang, Beibei Xin, Wei Song, Quanfeng Wang and Jujiao Zhao
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1085; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111085 - 17 Nov 2025
Viewed by 510
Abstract
Although Ru-based catalysts have been investigated in various oxidation systems, their application in sulfate radical-based AOPs, particularly as heterogeneous activators for acidic wastewater treatment, remains limited. Herein, Ru was incorporated into α-MnO2 via lattice doping and surface loading to construct Rulatt [...] Read more.
Although Ru-based catalysts have been investigated in various oxidation systems, their application in sulfate radical-based AOPs, particularly as heterogeneous activators for acidic wastewater treatment, remains limited. Herein, Ru was incorporated into α-MnO2 via lattice doping and surface loading to construct Rulatt/α-MnO2 and Rusurf/α-MnO2, and their PMS activation performance toward carbamazepine (CBZ) degradation was evaluated. Rulatt/α-MnO2 exhibited superior activity, achieving near-complete CBZ removal within minutes under acidic conditions. PMS dosage, catalyst loading, and pH affected the degradation efficiency, with acidic environments significantly enhancing PMS activation. Cl− slightly promoted CBZ degradation, whereas HCO3− and natural organic matter inhibited it. Mechanistic analysis revealed that Ru activated PMS through a nonradical pathway, continuously generating 1O2 via a reversible Ru (II)/Ru (III)/Ru (IV) cycle, while the Mn (III)/Mn (IV) redox couple acted as an electron buffer to sustain Ru cycling and improve durability. The catalyst maintained high activity in complex water matrices, demonstrating strong potential for practical remediation of CBZ-contaminated acidic wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Catalysts for Energy Conversion and Environmental Protection)
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31 pages, 4670 KB  
Review
Single-Atom Catalysts for Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia: Rational Design, Mechanistic Insights, and System Perspectives
by Shupeng Yin and Yinglong Wang
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111084 - 17 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1172
Abstract
Ammonia serves as a critical industrial feedstock and a potential carbon-free energy carrier. However, its conventional synthesis method (the Haber–Bosch process) suffers from high energy consumption and substantial carbon emissions. The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (eNO3RR) has emerged as a promising [...] Read more.
Ammonia serves as a critical industrial feedstock and a potential carbon-free energy carrier. However, its conventional synthesis method (the Haber–Bosch process) suffers from high energy consumption and substantial carbon emissions. The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (eNO3RR) has emerged as a promising alternative pathway, capable of converting nitrate pollutants in water into high-value ammonia under mild conditions, enabling green synthesis while offering dual benefits of environmental remediation and energy conversion. Single-atom catalysts (SACs), with their maximal atom utilization efficiency, well-defined active sites, and highly tunable electronic structures, have demonstrated exceptional catalytic performance and selectivity in eNO3RR. This review systematically summarizes recent advances of SACs in eNO3RR, with a focus on reaction mechanisms, advanced in situ characterization techniques, theoretical calculation, and the catalytic behavior and structure–activity relationships of various non-noble metal centers (e.g., Cu, Fe, Co). Key strategies for enhancing SACs performance are elaborated, alongside an analysis of microenvironmental influences such as electrolyte composition, pH, and potential. Finally, we outlines current challenges in material design, dynamic active site identification, and the industrial application of SACs, and propose future research directions aimed at facilitating the practical implementation of eNO3RR technology and contributing to the establishment of a sustainable ammonia economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Materials)
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13 pages, 3045 KB  
Article
Selecting the Most Suitable DFT-XC Functional for Consistent Modeling of Subnanometric Gold Clusters in Catalytic Systems
by Ludovico Guercio, Francesco Ferrante, Marco Bertini, Laura Gueci, Lorenzo Lisuzzo and Dario Duca
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1083; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111083 - 15 Nov 2025
Viewed by 435
Abstract
A comprehensive analysis of selected DFT exchange–correlation functionals is presented, focusing on their performance in treating gold nanoclusters and on their known reliability for the description of organic species, energy barriers and dispersion interactions. To distinguish this study from the existing literature, the [...] Read more.
A comprehensive analysis of selected DFT exchange–correlation functionals is presented, focusing on their performance in treating gold nanoclusters and on their known reliability for the description of organic species, energy barriers and dispersion interactions. To distinguish this study from the existing literature, the investigation specifically considers the practical relevance of the chosen functionals in catalytic contexts, with a particular emphasis on their potential applications in nanocatalysis for biomass valorization. Gold clusters containing 4 to 20 atoms were examined, with special attention given to the number of atoms at which the planar-to-three-dimensional-structure switch occurs. The investigation reported in this work would suggest M06 as the best exchange–correlation functional in terms of applicability and overall accuracy for computational studies of catalyzed processes involving gold nanoclusters and organic components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Green and Sustainable Chemical Processes)
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15 pages, 4422 KB  
Article
Ni-Based Catalysts Coupled with SERP for Efficient Power-to-X Conversion
by Marina Pedrola, Roger Miró, Isabel Vicente and Aitor Gual
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1082; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111082 - 15 Nov 2025
Viewed by 612
Abstract
The industrial application of CO2 methanation in Power-to-X (P2X) systems requires the development of highly active catalysts capable of operating at milder temperatures to ensure energy efficiency, while exhibiting high activity, stability and selectivity. This study reports the synthesis and optimization of [...] Read more.
The industrial application of CO2 methanation in Power-to-X (P2X) systems requires the development of highly active catalysts capable of operating at milder temperatures to ensure energy efficiency, while exhibiting high activity, stability and selectivity. This study reports the synthesis and optimization of Ni-based catalysts on Al2O3 supports, guided by a Design of Experiments (DoE, 24 factorial design) approach. Initial optimization afforded a robust catalyst achieving 80% CO2 conversion and >99% CH4 selectivity at 325 °C. Remarkably, the incorporation of CeO2 traces to the Ni-based catalyst substantially boosted catalytic activity, enabling higher conversions at temperatures up to 75 °C lower than the unpromoted catalyst. This improvement is attributed to Ni–CeOx synergy, which facilitates CO2 activation and Ni reducibility. Both formulations exhibited exceptional long-term stability over 100 h. Furthermore, process intensification via the Sorption-Enhanced Reaction Process (SERP) with the Ni-based catalyst demonstrated even superior efficiency, rapidly increasing CO2 conversion beyond 95% with the same selectivity range. Our findings establish a clear and consistent pathway for industrial CO2 valorization through next-generation P2X technology for high-purity synthetic natural gas (SNG) production. This process offers an efficient and sustainable route toward industrial defossilization by converting captured CO2 and green H2 into SNG that is readily usable within the existing energy infrastructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis on Stable Molecules (CO2, CO, CH4, N2, NH3) Activation and Their Transformation, 3rd Edition)
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19 pages, 2145 KB  
Review
A Review on the Application of Catalytic Membranes Technology in Water Treatment
by Jun Dai, Yan Zhuang, Kinjal J. Shah and Yongjun Sun
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111081 - 14 Nov 2025
Viewed by 723
Abstract
For effective water purification, the combination of membrane separation and catalytic degradation technologies not only permits continuous pollutant degradation but also successfully reduces membrane fouling. In recent years, catalytic membranes (CMs) have garnered a lot of interest in the water treatment industry. The [...] Read more.
For effective water purification, the combination of membrane separation and catalytic degradation technologies not only permits continuous pollutant degradation but also successfully reduces membrane fouling. In recent years, catalytic membranes (CMs) have garnered a lot of interest in the water treatment industry. The main benefits of CMs are methodically explained in this review, emphasizing the synergistic effect of membrane separation and catalysis. These benefits include stable catalyst loading achieved through membrane structure manipulation, nanoconfinement, and effective degradation of organic pollutants. The application of catalytic membranes in water treatment is then thoroughly summarized, and they are separated into five main groups based on their unique catalytic reaction mechanisms: ozone catalytic membranes, photocatalytic membranes, electrocatalytic membranes, Fenton-type catalytic membranes, and persulfate catalytic membranes. The mechanisms and performance characteristics of each kind of CM are looked at in greater detail. Finally, research directions and future prospects for water treatment using catalytic membranes are proposed. This review provides recommendations for future research and development to ensure the effective use of catalytic membranes in water treatment, in addition to providing a thorough examination of the advancements made in their application in the treatment of various wastewaters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterial Catalysts for Wastewater Treatments)
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23 pages, 4581 KB  
Article
Carbonate Inhibition in Au-Cu/γ-Al2O3 Catalysts for CO Oxidation
by Karla López, Gamaliel Che-Galicia, Rodolfo Zanella, Jesús F. Guayaquil-Sosa and Alvaro Sampieri
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1080; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111080 - 14 Nov 2025
Viewed by 546
Abstract
Incorporating Cu into gold-based catalysts effectively reduced nanoparticle sintering and free carbonate accumulation, promoting long-term preservation of catalytic surface area over time. This study explores the catalytic activity of monometallic Au and bimetallic AuCu catalysts with varying Au:Cu atomic ratios (1:0.5, 1:1, and [...] Read more.
Incorporating Cu into gold-based catalysts effectively reduced nanoparticle sintering and free carbonate accumulation, promoting long-term preservation of catalytic surface area over time. This study explores the catalytic activity of monometallic Au and bimetallic AuCu catalysts with varying Au:Cu atomic ratios (1:0.5, 1:1, and 1:1.5) that were synthesized on γ-Al2O3 via sequential deposition–precipitation with urea. The catalysts were pretreated in either air or H2 and evaluated for CO oxidation activity and stability. A comprehensive characterization (EDS, BET, TEM, H2-TPR, O2-TPO, XPS, DRIFTS, and UV–Vis) was used to investigate particle size, metal oxidation states, and redox properties. Among all materials, the AuCu 1:1 catalyst exhibited the highest low-temperature CO conversion (>90% at 0 °C) and improved stability during 24 h tests, reflecting minimal nanoparticle sintering as confirmed by TEM analysis. In situ DRIFTS revealed that the presence of Cu+ and Cu2+ minimizes the accumulation of free carbonates (one of the main deactivation pathways in Au/γ-Al2O3) while promoting the formation of reactive intermediates that facilitate CO2 production. Notably, air pretreatment at moderate temperature proved as effective as H2 pretreatment in activating both monometallic and bimetallic catalysts. These findings highlight the role of Cu as a structural and electronic promoter of gold, offering practical guidelines for designing durable, cost-effective catalysts for low-temperature CO oxidation on non-reducible supports. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Catalyst Design to Sustainable Catalytic Processes: Advances in Reactor Engineering)
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23 pages, 2998 KB  
Article
Role of Perovskite Phase in CeXO3 (X = Ni, Co, Fe) Catalysts for Low-Temperature Hydrogen Production from Ammonia
by Majed A. Alamoudi and Seetharamulu Podila
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1079; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111079 - 14 Nov 2025
Viewed by 624
Abstract
The drive to utilize ammonia as a carbon-free hydrogen source necessitates the development of effective, non-precious metal catalysts for ammonia decomposition. We successfully synthesized a series of Ce-based perovskite oxides (CeXO3; X = Co, Ni, Fe) via combustion method using citric [...] Read more.
The drive to utilize ammonia as a carbon-free hydrogen source necessitates the development of effective, non-precious metal catalysts for ammonia decomposition. We successfully synthesized a series of Ce-based perovskite oxides (CeXO3; X = Co, Ni, Fe) via combustion method using citric acid. These catalyst precursors were tested for NH3 decomposition to study the effect of the perovskite structure on catalytic activity. The results were directly compared to corresponding impregnated catalysts, X/CeO2, which had similar metal concentrations. A remarkable enhancement in catalytic performance was observed with the perovskite catalysts, particularly at lower temperatures, relative to their impregnated counterparts. The exception was the CeFeO3 catalyst, which exhibited lower activity, likely due to the formation of metal nitrides. Both CeNiO3 and CeCoO3 showed good NH3 decomposition activity, but CeNiO3 emerged as the most active catalyst at lower temperatures. This superior performance attributed to the presence of oxygen vacancies—confirmed by Raman and XPS analyses—and enhanced metal reducibility at lower temperatures, both of which accelerate NH3 decomposition. Furthermore, CeNiO3 also displayed a high surface metal concentration. These Ce-based perovskite materials are cost-effective, easily synthesized, and highly stable; hence, they are attractive candidates for large-scale hydrogen production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Catalysis for Green Chemistry and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 1775 KB  
Article
Solar-Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Clothianidin Using Green NiO-GO Composite
by Atta ul Haq, Rageh K. Hussein, Sandeep Panchal, Muhammad Saeed, Hafiz Muhammad Abubakar and Sharif Abu Alrub
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1078; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111078 - 13 Nov 2025
Viewed by 617
Abstract
The extensive use of clothianidin pesticide poses significant risks to non-target organisms and water resources. In this study, NiO-GO is reported as an effective photocatalyst for the degradation of clothianidin in aqueous medium. Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles were synthesized by a green method [...] Read more.
The extensive use of clothianidin pesticide poses significant risks to non-target organisms and water resources. In this study, NiO-GO is reported as an effective photocatalyst for the degradation of clothianidin in aqueous medium. Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles were synthesized by a green method using Pisum sativum (pea) peel extract, which serves as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent, and subsequently integrated with graphene oxide (GO) through ultrasonication to form a NiO-GO composite in a 1:1 ratio. The materials were characterized by various techniques. Photocatalytic degradation of clothianidin under natural sunlight was systematically investigated, assessing the effects of pH, catalyst dosage, initial pollutant concentration, and agitation speed. The NiO-GO composite exhibited superior photocatalytic performance (96% degradation at pH 3 within 60 min) compared to pristine NiO and GO, with a rate constant 4.4 and 3.3 times higher, respectively. The as-prepared NiO-GO photocatalyst exhibited nearly consistent degradation efficiency over two successive cycles, demonstrating its excellent structural stability and reusability. The enhanced performance is attributed to improved charge separation afforded by GO support. This low-cost, green, and efficient NiO-GO photocatalyst demonstrates promising potential for sustainable pesticide remediation in aqueous environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Catalysis for Energy and a Sustainable Environment)
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16 pages, 1757 KB  
Article
Synergistic Remediation of Cr(VI) and P-Nitrophenol Co-Contaminated Soil Using Metal-/Non-Metal-Doped nZVI Catalysts with High Dispersion in the Presence of Persulfate
by Yin Wang, Siqi Xu, Yixin Yang, Yule Gao, Linlang Lu, Hu Jiang and Xiaodong Zhang
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111077 - 13 Nov 2025
Viewed by 490
Abstract
In this work, two novel nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) composites (nanoscale zero-valent iron and copper-intercalated montmorillonite (MMT-nFe0/Cu0) and carbon microsphere-supported sulfurized nanoscale zero-valent iron (CMS@S-nFe0)) were used to treat soil contaminated with both Cr(VI) and p-nitrophenol (PNP), [...] Read more.
In this work, two novel nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) composites (nanoscale zero-valent iron and copper-intercalated montmorillonite (MMT-nFe0/Cu0) and carbon microsphere-supported sulfurized nanoscale zero-valent iron (CMS@S-nFe0)) were used to treat soil contaminated with both Cr(VI) and p-nitrophenol (PNP), and added persulfate (PMS). Experiments found that the pollutant removal effect has a great relationship with the ratio of water to soil, the amount of catalyst, the amount of PMS, and the pH value. When the conditions are adjusted to the best (water–soil = 2:1, catalyst 30 g/kg, PMS 15 g/kg, pH 7–9), both materials fix Cr(VI) well and decompose PNP. The removal rates of Cr(VI) and PNP by the MMT-nFe0/Cu0 system are 90.4% and 72.6%, respectively, while the CMS@ S-nFe0 system is even more severe, reaching 94.8% and 81.3%. Soil column leaching experiments also proved that the fixation effect of Cr can last for a long time and PNP can be effectively decomposed. Through detection methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we found that Cr(VI) was effectively reduced to Cr(III) by Fe0 and Fe2+ ions and subsequently transformed into stable FeCr2O4 spinel oxides, and the groups produced after the decomposition of PNP could also help fix the metal. This work provides a way to simultaneously treat Cr(VI) and PNP pollution, and also allows the use of multifunctional nZVI composites in complex soil environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Catalytic Materials for Environmental Purification)
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22 pages, 3092 KB  
Article
Catalytic Co-Pyrolysis of Chinese Oil Shales for Enhanced Shale Oil Yield and Quality: A Kinetic and Experimental Study
by Yang Meng, Feng Xu, Jiayong Feng, Hang Xiao and Chengheng Pang
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1076; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111076 - 13 Nov 2025
Viewed by 512
Abstract
In response to the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions and efficient fossil resource utilization, the current research is conducted to examine the catalytic co-pyrolysis of four typical Chinese oil shales. The study assesses the ability of synergistic interactions, which are the result [...] Read more.
In response to the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions and efficient fossil resource utilization, the current research is conducted to examine the catalytic co-pyrolysis of four typical Chinese oil shales. The study assesses the ability of synergistic interactions, which are the result of organic and inorganic components, to improve the aspect of thermal behavior, decrease the activation energy and improve the shale oil quality. Thermogravimetric analysis in conjunction as Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) and integral master-plots approaches showed that there were low activation energies and better reaction kinetics in blended systems. Fischer assay and GC-MS were utilized in product distribution and product composition evaluation, respectively. Optimization increased gas yield and oil composition stabilization in the blended gas, which is found due to the catalytic functions of AAEMs and clay minerals. This contribution facilitates the development of catalytic co-processing solutions where better conversion and reduced carbon intensity are achieved in the production of fossil-based energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalytic Conversion of Small Molecules for Energy and Environmental Sustainability)
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17 pages, 1575 KB  
Article
Alkylation of Benzene with Benzyl Chloride: Comparative Study Between Commercial MOFs and Metal Chloride Catalysts
by Raquel Peláez, Inés Gutiérrez, Eva Díaz and Salvador Ordóñez
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1075; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111075 - 13 Nov 2025
Viewed by 532
Abstract
Diphenylmethane, recently recognized as a candidate for liquid organic hydrogen carrier systems, is traditionally produced by alkylation of benzene with benzyl chloride using homogeneous catalysts. In the current context, the need for a transition toward processes that reduce environmental impact and move toward [...] Read more.
Diphenylmethane, recently recognized as a candidate for liquid organic hydrogen carrier systems, is traditionally produced by alkylation of benzene with benzyl chloride using homogeneous catalysts. In the current context, the need for a transition toward processes that reduce environmental impact and move toward sustainability has become increasingly evident. In this work, the benzylation of benzene by benzyl chloride using metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as catalysts is proposed, as alternative materials that combine the advantages of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Reaction experiments were carried out in an isothermal batch reactor with commercial Basolite C300 and Basolite F300 MOFs, based on Cu and Fe as active species, respectively. The results demonstrate catalytic activity using both proposed catalysts under the studied conditions, with the results of the Fe-based MOF being more favorable, given the greater standard reduction potential of Fe. Compared with their corresponding metal chlorides, the proposed MOFs improve the alkylation activity. Based on a two-step reaction mechanism, a pseudo first-order kinetic model has been developed for the reaction with MOFs as catalysts. The kinetic parameters were obtained by fitting the model to the experimental data, demonstrating good agreement and validating the proposed mechanistic pathway. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Catalytic Conversion and Utilization of Carbon-Based Energy)
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16 pages, 2905 KB  
Article
Development of a Au/TiO2/Ti Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in a Bicarbonate Medium
by Mostafizur Rahaman, Md. Fahamidul Islam, Mohebul Ahsan, Mohammad Imran Hossain, Faruq Mohammad, Tahamida A. Oyshi, Md. Abu Rashed, Jamal Uddin and Mohammad A. Hasnat
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1074; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111074 - 13 Nov 2025
Viewed by 971
Abstract
The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a pivotal electrochemical process in energy technologies and in the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which serves as both an effective agent for dye degradation and a fuel in H2O2 [...] Read more.
The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a pivotal electrochemical process in energy technologies and in the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which serves as both an effective agent for dye degradation and a fuel in H2O2-based fuel cells. In this regard, a titanium (Ti) sheet was anodized to generate a TiO2 layer, and then the oxide layer was modified with gold (presented as Au/TiO2/Ti) via electrodeposition. The developed electrocatalyst was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which showed characteristic binding energies for Ti4+ in TiO2 and metallic Au. In addition, the Nyquist plot verified the electrode modification process, since the diameter of the semicircular arc, corresponding to charge transfer resistance, significantly decreased due to Au deposition. Voltametric studies revealed that the TiO2 layer with a Ti surface exhibited a good synergistic effect on Au and the ORR in a bicarbonate medium (0.1 M KHCO3) by lowering the overpotential, enhancing current density, and boosting durability. The scan rate-dependent study of the ORR produced by the developed electrocatalyst showed a Tafel slope of 180 ± 2 mV dec−1 over a scan rate range of 0.05–0.4 V s−1, thereby indicating a 2e− transfer process in which the initial electron transfer process was the rate-limiting step. The study also revealed that the Au/TiO2/Ti electrode caused oxygen electro-reduction with a heterogenous rate constant (k0) of 4.40×10−3 cm s−1 at a formal potential (E0′) of 0.54 V vs. RHE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue In-Depth Study of Electrochemical Reduction Catalysts and Promoters toward Green and Sustainable Processes)
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17 pages, 1721 KB  
Article
Fluorine- and Trifluoromethyl-Substituted Iminopyridinenickel(II) Complexes Immobilized into Fluorotetrasilicic Mica Interlayers as Ethylene Oligomerization Catalysts
by Hideki Kurokawa, Shingo Haruta, Riku Sunagawa and Hitoshi Ogihara
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111073 - 13 Nov 2025
Viewed by 538
Abstract
Heterogeneous catalysts comprising immobilized nickel(II) complexes bearing a fluorine- or trifluoromethyl-substituted iminopyridine ligand (Xn-C6H5–n-N=C (CH3)-C5H5N, X = F or CF3) in fluorotetrasilicic mica interlayers were prepared by reacting [...] Read more.
Heterogeneous catalysts comprising immobilized nickel(II) complexes bearing a fluorine- or trifluoromethyl-substituted iminopyridine ligand (Xn-C6H5–n-N=C (CH3)-C5H5N, X = F or CF3) in fluorotetrasilicic mica interlayers were prepared by reacting Ni2+-exchange fluorotetrasilicic mica with the appropriate ligand. Upon activating the precatalyst with triethylaluminum or triisobutylaluminum, the generated active species showed catalytic activity for ethylene oligomerization, yielding low-molecular-weight polyethylene (PE), ethylene oligomers, and wax-like PE. The oligomer distribution almost agreed with what we expected according to the Schultz–Flory distribution. However, the amount of solid products was much higher than the theoretical value, indicating that at least two active species were formed, i.e., the oligomer and low-molecular-weight PE. The precatalyst with a 2,4-F2C6H3 group on the imino nitrogen atom activated by triethylaluminum showed the highest catalytic activity for ethylene oligomerization (408 g-C2 g-cat−1 h−1), with selectivities to the liquid and solid products of 51.0% and 11.5%, respectively, with the rest of the product corresponding to wax-like PE. Meanwhile, the highest selectivity to the liquid product (66.7% at 233 g-C2 g-cat−1 h−1) was obtained using the precatalyst with a 2-FPh group on the imino nitrogen atom activated by triisobutylaluminum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Group 10(Ni, Pd, Pt...)-Catalyzed Reactions)
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26 pages, 6955 KB  
Article
Recycling of Waste PET into Terephthalic Acid in Neutral Media Catalyzed by the Cracking Zeolite/Alumina Binder Acidic Catalyst
by Shaddad S. Alhamedi, Waheed Al-Masry, Ahmed S. Al-Fatesh, Sajjad Haider, Asif Mahmood, Lahssen El Blidi and Abdulrahman Bin Jumah
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1072; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111072 - 12 Nov 2025
Viewed by 645
Abstract
This study addresses the critical issue of environmental pollution from plastic waste by investigating an effective chemical recycling method for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) via neutral catalytic hydrolysis. We utilized a recoverable and regenerable composite catalyst based on cracking zeolite and γ-Al2O [...] Read more.
This study addresses the critical issue of environmental pollution from plastic waste by investigating an effective chemical recycling method for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) via neutral catalytic hydrolysis. We utilized a recoverable and regenerable composite catalyst based on cracking zeolite and γ-Al2O3, which possesses both Brønsted and Lewis acidic sites that facilitate the depolymerization of PET into its constituent monomers, terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). This investigation reveals that the catalytic performance is strongly dependent on the total acid site concentration and the specific nature of these sites. A key finding is that a balanced acidic profile with a high proportion of Brønsted acid sites is crucial for enhancing PET hydrolysis attributed to a significant decrease in the activation energy of the reaction. The experiments were conducted in a stirred stainless-steel autoclave reactor, where key parameters such as temperature (210–230 °C), the PET-to-water ratio (1:2 to 1:5), and reaction time were systematically varied. Under optimal conditions of 210 °C and a 6 h reaction time, the process achieved near-complete PET depolymerization (99.5%) and a high TPA yield (90.24%). The catalyst demonstrated remarkable recyclability, maintained its activity over multiple cycles and was easily regenerated. Furthermore, the recovered TPA was of high quality, with a purity of 98.74% as confirmed by HPLC, and exhibited a melt crystallization temperature 14 °C lower than that of the commercial standard. These results not only demonstrate the efficiency and sustainability of neutral catalytic hydrolysis using zeolite/alumina composites but also provide valuable insights for designing advanced catalysts with tunable acidic properties. By demonstrating the importance of tuning acidic properties, specifically the balance between Brønsted and Lewis sites, this work lays a foundation for developing more effective catalysts that can advance circular economy goals for PET recycling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Materials in Chemical Engineering)
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12 pages, 4715 KB  
Article
Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Coated Zn0.17Co0.83P as a Highly Active and Stable Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution
by Guo-Ping Shen, Xiao-Mei Men, Si-Jia Guo, Na Xu and Bin Dong
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1071; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111071 - 12 Nov 2025
Viewed by 541
Abstract
Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) can provide fascinating stereo morphology and tunable metal active sites, which plays an important role in the synthesis of various catalytic materials. However, it is still a problem to make use of these advantages to design efficient hydrogen evolution [...] Read more.
Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) can provide fascinating stereo morphology and tunable metal active sites, which plays an important role in the synthesis of various catalytic materials. However, it is still a problem to make use of these advantages to design efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts. Herein, we use covalent coordination strategy to synthesize bimetallic CoxZn1−x(2-MeIM)2 precursors with regular dodecahedral structures for providing uniform active sites and stable carbon skeleton. Furthermore, the ratio of Co and Zn atoms was optimized to balance the electron density and give full play to the synergistic catalytic effect. And then, the subsequent high temperature annealing process is used to construct the amorphous carbon layer, which can improve the overall stability of the material. The gas phase phosphating process realizes the transformation from ZIF material to metal phosphide resulting in enhanced hydrogen evolution activity. Finally, the optimized amorphous nitrogen-doped carbon (NC)-coated Zinc-doped cobalt phosphide (Zn0.17Co0.83P@NC) requires only 237.60 mV to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline medium, which is 223.22 mV lower than that of CoP, and has a stability of up to 18 h. This work provides a reference for the rational design of efficient and stable compound electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution based on the bimetallic ZIF as a precursor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Noble Metal Electrocatalytic Materials for Clean Energy)
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21 pages, 4253 KB  
Review
Recent Progress of Low Pt Content Intermetallic Electrocatalysts Toward Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
by Huiyuan Liu, Qian Song, Yan Xie, Weiqi Zhang, Qian Xu and Huaneng Su
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111070 - 11 Nov 2025
Viewed by 602
Abstract
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are playing a crucial role in the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy. However, their large-scale commercialization has been hampered by the high cost and limited durability of Pt-based electrocatalysts. To overcome the issues, researchers are focusing on Pt-non-noble [...] Read more.
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are playing a crucial role in the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy. However, their large-scale commercialization has been hampered by the high cost and limited durability of Pt-based electrocatalysts. To overcome the issues, researchers are focusing on Pt-non-noble metal (PtM) intermetallic electrocatalysts due to their superior activity and durability. This review highlights key advances in this field, starting with a comparison of intermetallic compounds and solid-solution alloys, and an analysis of the composition and structure of PtM intermetallics. It then proceeds to the controllable synthesis and structure characterization of the carbon-supported PtM intermetallics electrocatalysts. The review also thoroughly discusses their activity and durability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Finally, some perspectives on remaining challenges and future development of the PtM intermetallics electrocatalysts are presented to guide the exploitation of the active and durable intermetallic electrocatalysts with high metal content and small size for practical substitution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalytic Materials in Electrochemical and Fuel Cells)
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11 pages, 1577 KB  
Article
Ce3+/Ce4+-Modified TiO2 Nanoflowers: Boosting Solar Photocatalytic Efficiency
by Beatrice Polido, Letizia Liccardo, Benedetta Cattaneo, Enrique Rodríguez-Castellón, Alberto Vomiero and Elisa Moretti
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1069; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111069 - 11 Nov 2025
Viewed by 566
Abstract
Cerium-doped titania nanoflowers are obtained by hydrothermal synthesis, with different amounts of cerium (0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 at%). Both undoped nanoflowers (TNF) and Ce-doped TNF (Cex) are tested as photocatalysts in the degradation of the target pollutant (metronidazole) under simulated solar [...] Read more.
Cerium-doped titania nanoflowers are obtained by hydrothermal synthesis, with different amounts of cerium (0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 at%). Both undoped nanoflowers (TNF) and Ce-doped TNF (Cex) are tested as photocatalysts in the degradation of the target pollutant (metronidazole) under simulated solar light. The samples are rutile polymorphs with high crystallinity and present a nanoflower-like morphology of about 1 µm in diameter and are made up of nanoscale petals (in the range of 100–300 nm). EDX spectroscopy was coupled with SEM and performed on the Ce-doped samples to determine the elemental composition of the catalysts and the Ce distribution in each sample. Optical and electronic spectroscopies reveal that Ce loading narrows the band gap from 3.0 to 2.8 eV, extending light absorption into the visible range of the spectrum and thus enhancing the photocatalytic activity. The best sample, Ce1, achieved 67% degradation of metronidazole after 360 min under solar irradiation at pH 4, compared to bare TNF, which reached 35%. Reusability tests confirm the chemical stability and photocatalytic efficiency of Ce1 over three cycles, and free-radical trapping experiments confirmed ·O2− and ·OH as major active species in metronidazole degradation. This study highlights the synergistic impact of morphology and doping on solar-driven organic pollutant degradation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Materials)
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18 pages, 7034 KB  
Article
Effect of a Grinding Method in the Preparation of CuO-ZnO-Al2O3@HZSM-5 Catalyst for CO2 Hydrogenation
by He Jia, Tao Du, Yingnan Li, Peng Chen, Rui Xiang, Zhaoyi Sun, Bowen Yang and Yisong Wang
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111068 - 10 Nov 2025
Viewed by 558
Abstract
There are many obstacles to the industrial application of CO2 hydrogenation reduction technology, the most important of which is the high economic cost. The purpose of this study is to explore the interaction mechanism between the active component CuO-ZnO-Al2O3 [...] Read more.
There are many obstacles to the industrial application of CO2 hydrogenation reduction technology, the most important of which is the high economic cost. The purpose of this study is to explore the interaction mechanism between the active component CuO-ZnO-Al2O3(CZA) and the zeolite carrier Zeolite Socony Mobil-5(ZSM-5), screen the simplified preparation method of catalysts with high catalytic performance, and further promote the industrial application of CO2 hydrogenation reduction technology. In this study, the effects of the gas velocity of the feedstock, the reaction temperature, the content of acidic sites in the carrier, the filling amount of active component, and the mixing mode of the active component and the carrier on catalytic CO2 hydrogenation reduction were investigated. The structure of the catalysts was analyzed by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The catalyst surface properties were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ammonia temperature programmed desorption (NH3-TPD), hydrogen temperature programed reduction (H2-TPR) and other characterization methods. The research found that the grinding treatment led to the insertion of CZA between ZSM-5 zeolite particles in CZA@HZ5-20-GB, which was prepared via grinding both CZA and H-ZSM-5 with an Si/Al ratio of 20, inhibiting the action of strongly acidic sites in the zeolite, resulting in only CO and MeOH in the catalytic products, with no Dimethyl Ether (DME) generation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis on Stable Molecules (CO2, CO, CH4, N2, NH3) Activation and Their Transformation, 3rd Edition)
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41 pages, 15950 KB  
Review
Recent Breakthroughs in Overcoming the Efficiency Limits of Photocatalysis for Hydrogen Generation
by Aira Amin, Ryun Na Kim, Jihun Kim and Whi Dong Kim
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1067; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111067 - 10 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1476
Abstract
For five decades, photocatalysis has promised clean hydrogen from solar energy, yet a persistent “efficiency ceiling”, linked to fundamental challenges including the trade-off between light absorption and redox potential in single-component materials, has hindered its practical application. This review illuminates three key paradigm [...] Read more.
For five decades, photocatalysis has promised clean hydrogen from solar energy, yet a persistent “efficiency ceiling”, linked to fundamental challenges including the trade-off between light absorption and redox potential in single-component materials, has hindered its practical application. This review illuminates three key paradigm shifts overcoming this challenge. First, we examine Z-scheme and S-scheme heterojunctions, which resolve the bandgap dilemma by spatially separating redox sites to achieve both broad light absorption and strong redox power. Second, we discuss replacing the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with value-added organic oxidations. This strategy bypasses kinetic bottlenecks and improves economic viability by co-producing valuable chemicals from feedstocks like biomass and plastic waste. Third, we explore manipulating the reaction environment, where synergistic photothermal effects and concentrated sunlight can dramatically enhance kinetics and unlock markedly enhanced solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiencies. Collectively, these strategies chart a clear course to overcome historical limitations and realize photocatalysis as an impactful technology for a sustainable energy future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Synthesis of Nanostructured Catalysts, 3rd Edition)
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20 pages, 2517 KB  
Article
Genetic and Process Engineering for the Simultaneous Saccharification and Biocatalytic Conversion of Lignocellulose for Itaconic Acid Production by Myceliophthora thermophila
by Renwei Zhang, Chenbiao Zhao, Yuchen Ning, Jianqi Deng, Fang Wang, Huan Liu and Li Deng
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1066; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111066 - 9 Nov 2025
Viewed by 444
Abstract
Itaconic acid (IA), one of the top twelve renewable platform chemicals, is a key precursor for polymer synthesis. Here, we engineered Myceliophthora thermophila for efficient consolidated biocatalytic IA production from lignocellulose by introducing the heterologous IA pathway (cis-aconitic acid decarboxylase (CAD), mitochondrial tricarboxylic [...] Read more.
Itaconic acid (IA), one of the top twelve renewable platform chemicals, is a key precursor for polymer synthesis. Here, we engineered Myceliophthora thermophila for efficient consolidated biocatalytic IA production from lignocellulose by introducing the heterologous IA pathway (cis-aconitic acid decarboxylase (CAD), mitochondrial tricarboxylic transporter (MTT), major facilitator superfamily transporter (MFS) from Aspergillus terreus), and boosting CAD expression and precursor supply. A critical issue was temperature mismatch: optimal fungal growth vs. CAD activity. Transcriptomics analysis identified reduced expression of glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes (fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, FBA; phosphofructokinase, PFK) at 40 °C. Overexpressing these enzymes in strain IA32 generated strain IA41 (with 3.1-fold and 2.8-fold higher expression of pfk and fba, respectively), which accelerated glucose consumption by 53.2% and increased IA yield by 55.1% A two-stage temperature-shift strategy (45 °C for growth/saccharification, 40 °C for CAD activity) was developed. The engineered strain achieved 3.93 g/L IA in shake flasks and 10.51 g/L in corncob fed-batch fermentation—the highest reported titer for consolidated lignocellulose-to-IA processes. This establishes M. thermophila as a robust platform for cost-effective IA production from lignocellulose. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biocatalysis)
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17 pages, 2675 KB  
Article
Biochar-Modified TiO2 Composites: Enhanced Optical and Photocatalytic Properties for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Applications
by Fatma. F. Alharbi, Taymour A. Hamdalla, Hanan Al-Ghamdi, Badriah Albarzan and Ahmed. A. Darwish
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111065 - 9 Nov 2025
Viewed by 611
Abstract
Enhancing TiO2 performance is essential for advancing photocatalysis, environmental remediation, and energy conversion technologies. In this work, nanosized TiO2 was modified with biochar (BC) derived from red sea algae at different loadings (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt%). Structural analysis confirmed [...] Read more.
Enhancing TiO2 performance is essential for advancing photocatalysis, environmental remediation, and energy conversion technologies. In this work, nanosized TiO2 was modified with biochar (BC) derived from red sea algae at different loadings (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt%). Structural analysis confirmed that TiO2 maintained its crystalline framework while biochar introduced additional amorphous features and modified surface morphology. Optical measurements revealed a redshift in the absorption edge and tunable bandgap values (3.28–3.72 eV), accompanied by increases in refractive index and extinction coefficient, indicating enhanced light–matter interactions. Electrochemical studies demonstrated that the TiO2/5 wt% BC composite exhibited the lowest charge-transfer resistance and highest peak current, reflecting superior conductivity. Photocatalytic tests showed that TiO2/5 wt% BC achieved nearly 84% degradation of methylene blue within 150 min under visible-light irradiation, with stable reusability over multiple cycles. These findings demonstrate that moderate biochar incorporation (5 wt%) optimally enhances the physicochemical, electrochemical, and photocatalytic properties of TiO2, making it a promising candidate for wastewater treatment, solar-driven catalysis, and sustainable energy applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Catalysis for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Remediation, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 3279 KB  
Article
Additive Manufacturing of CaO-Pt/Al2O3 Structured Catalysts for Cyclohexane Dehydrogenation
by Panfeng Wang, Zhaoyang Lu, Xiang Qi, Wenting Xing, Yubo Shi and Jiapo Yan
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1064; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111064 - 8 Nov 2025
Viewed by 648
Abstract
The dehydrogenation of cyclohexane is of vital importance for the production of Nylon-6 and Nylon-66, as it enhances atom utilization efficiency. Ca-doped platinum catalysts have been employed in alkane dehydrogenation due to their ability to selectively activate C–H bonds while minimizing C–C bond [...] Read more.
The dehydrogenation of cyclohexane is of vital importance for the production of Nylon-6 and Nylon-66, as it enhances atom utilization efficiency. Ca-doped platinum catalysts have been employed in alkane dehydrogenation due to their ability to selectively activate C–H bonds while minimizing C–C bond cleavage. However, owing to their limited selectivity toward cyclohexene, Pt-Ca/Al2O3 catalysts have not been widely adopted in the field of partial dehydrogenation to alkenes. In this work, Al2O3 supports are fabricated using the direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing technique, incorporating designed channels. After impregnation and calcination at 550 °C, the distribution of active species, surface acidity, and basicity are optimized, resulting in a cyclohexene yield of 8.9%. The cyclohexene yield and stability of the 3D-printed catalysts are significantly higher than those of the granular catalyst, attributed to enhanced heat and mass transfer performance facilitated by the internal channels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Materials)
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