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Zeolites as Catalysts: Applications in Chemical Engineering, Energy Sources and...
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Zeolites as Catalysts: Applications in Chemical Engineering, Energy Sources and Environmental Protection, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Catalytic Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 4951

Special Issue Editor

Dr. De Fang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
Interests: zeolites; surface science; fuel combustion; metallic oxide; solid waste recycling; energy and environmental catalytic materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This is the second edition of the successful Special Issue titled “Zeolites as Catalysts: Applications in Chemical Engineering, Energy Sources and Environmental Protection”.

Zeolites are crystalline aluminosilicates that possess a 3D network structure, and they are widely considered to be the leading materials of the last few decades in the fields of chemical engineering, energy sources, and environmental protection. Zeolites with various pore sizes can be obtained with different ratios of SiO2 and Al2O3, demonstrating large specific areas and strong gas adsorption. Therefore, they are commonly used for various processes, such as dehydration, gas separation and synthesis, air pollution control (H2S, SO2 and NOx decontamination), fuel conversion (electrolyte film), and petroleum cracking, among others, playing the role of membrane, catalyst, and support.

This Special Issue is dedicated to novel research and discussions on zeolites, with a focus on, but not limited to, the following:

  1. Fundamental research on the mechanisms of the formation of pores for zeolites;
  2. Zeolites used as the membrane, catalyst, and support;
  3. Theoretical simulation and machine learning research for zeolites;
  4. Novel applications for zeolites;
  5. Related porous materials.

Original research papers and reviews providing new insights into the area are welcome. If you would like to submit papers for publication in this Special Issue or have any questions, please contact the in-house Editor, Mr. Ives Liu (ives.liu@mdpi.com).

Dr. De Fang
Guest Editor

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. Catalysts 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 2200 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.

Keywords

  • zeolites
  • catalysts
  • porous materials
  • energy
  • dehydration
  • gas separation
  • petroleum cracking
  • air pollution control
  • fuel conversion

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 2215 KiB  
Article
Hydrocracking of Polyethylene to Gasoline-Range Hydrocarbons over a Ruthenium-Zeolite Bifunctional Catalyst System with Optimal Synergy of Metal and Acid Sites
by Qing Du, Xin Shang, Yangyang Yuan, Xiong Su and Yanqiang Huang
Catalysts 2025, 15(4), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15040335 - 31 Mar 2025
Viewed by 443
Abstract
Chemical recycling of plastic waste, especially polyolefins, into valuable liquid fuels is of considerable significance to address the serious issues raised by their threat on environmental and human health. Nevertheless, the construction of efficient and economically viable catalytic systems remains a significant hurdle. [...] Read more.
Chemical recycling of plastic waste, especially polyolefins, into valuable liquid fuels is of considerable significance to address the serious issues raised by their threat on environmental and human health. Nevertheless, the construction of efficient and economically viable catalytic systems remains a significant hurdle. Herein, we developed an efficient bifunctional catalyst system comprising γ-Al2O3-supported ruthenium nanoparticles (Ru/γ-Al2O3) and β-zeolite for the conversion of polyolefins into gasoline-range hydrocarbons. A yield of C5–12 paraffins up to 73.4% can be obtained with polyethene as the reactant at 250 °C in hydrogen. The Ru sites primarily activate the initial cleavage of C–H bonds of polymer towards the formation of olefin intermediates, which subsequently go through further cracking and isomerization over the acid sites in β-zeolite. Employing in situ infrared spectroscopy and probe–molecule model reactions, our investigation reveals that the optimized proportion and spatial distribution of the dual catalytic sites are pivotal in the tandem conversion process. This optimization synergistically regulates the cracking kinetics and accelerates intermediate transfer, thereby minimizing the production of side C1–4 hydrocarbons resulting from over-cracking at the Ru sites and enhancing the yield of liquid fuels. This research contributes novel insights into catalyst design for the chemical upgrading of polyolefins into valuable chemicals, advancing the field of plastic waste recycling and sustainable chemical production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zeolites as Catalysts: Applications in Chemical Engineering, Energy Sources and Environmental Protection, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 7822 KiB  
Article
Unravel the Roles of the Acid Sites in Different Pore Channels of HZSM-5 Catalyst on Ethanol Conversion to Light Olefin
by Wei Xia, Xinrui Wang, Di Wang, Zhenhua Jiang, Yanli Zhang, Shuangshuang Li, Mingyuan Dong, Kun Chen and Dong Liu
Catalysts 2025, 15(4), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15040302 - 23 Mar 2025
Viewed by 357
Abstract
Catalytic conversion of bioethanol is a promising production method for preparing light olefin. However, the role of acid sites in different pore channels of HZSM-5 catalyst is not clear. The roles of acid sites in different channels of HZSM-5 catalyst on the conversion [...] Read more.
Catalytic conversion of bioethanol is a promising production method for preparing light olefin. However, the role of acid sites in different pore channels of HZSM-5 catalyst is not clear. The roles of acid sites in different channels of HZSM-5 catalyst on the conversion of ethanol to ethylene and propylene was investigated by density functional theory (DFT). The results show that the conversion of ethanol to ethylene mainly occurs at the acid site of the sinusoidal channel (T11) of HZSM-5, and the conversion of ethanol to propylene mainly occurs at the acid site of the straight channel (T10) of HZSM-5 catalyst. The adsorption and diffusion behaviors of ethylene and propylene in straight and sinusoidal channels of HZSM-5 were simulated by the molecular dynamics method. The results show that for the adsorption of ethylene and propylene, the acid sites of sinusoidal channel (T11) with SiO2/Al2O3 = 128 is more conducive to improving the selectivity of ethylene, and the acid sites of straight channel (T10) with SiO2/Al2O3 = 128 is more conducive to improving the propylene selectivity. For the diffusion of ethylene and propylene, the acid sites in the straight channel (T10) of HZSM-5 (SiO2/Al2O3 = 128) are more beneficial to improve propylene selectivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zeolites as Catalysts: Applications in Chemical Engineering, Energy Sources and Environmental Protection, 2nd Edition)
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Graphical abstract

17 pages, 16114 KiB  
Article
Effect of Metal Dispersion in Rh-Based Zeolite and SiO2 Catalysts on the Hydroformylation of Olefin Mixtures from Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis
by Yu Wang, Xuemin Cao, Yuting Dai, Tao Yan, Xiangjie Zhang, Huizi He, Yujie Xie, Tiejun Lin, Chang Song and Peng He
Catalysts 2025, 15(3), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15030212 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 677
Abstract
This study investigates the hydroformylation of C5+ olefins derived from Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) using Rh-based catalysts supported on zeolites (MFI, MEL) and SiO2. A series of catalysts were synthesized through two different methods: a one-pot hydrothermal crystallization process, which results [...] Read more.
This study investigates the hydroformylation of C5+ olefins derived from Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) using Rh-based catalysts supported on zeolites (MFI, MEL) and SiO2. A series of catalysts were synthesized through two different methods: a one-pot hydrothermal crystallization process, which results in highly dispersed Rh species encapsulated within the zeolite framework (Rh@MFI, Rh@MEL), and an impregnation method that produces larger Rh nanoparticles exposed on the support surface (Rh/MFI, Rh/MEL, Rh/SiO2). Characterization techniques such as BET, TEM, and FTIR were employed to evaluate different catalysts, revealing significant differences in the dispersion and accessibility of Rh species. Owing to its more accessible mesoporous structure, Rh/SiO2 with a pore size of 5.6 nm exhibited the highest olefin conversion rate (>90%) and 40% selectivity to C6+ aldehydes. In contrast, zeolite-encapsulated catalysts exhibited higher selectivity for C6+ aldehydes (~50%) due to better confinement and linear aldehyde formation. This study also examined the influence of FTS byproducts, including paraffins and short-chain olefins, on the hydroformylation reaction. Results showed that long-chain paraffins had a negligible effect on olefin conversion, while the presence of short-chain olefins, such as propene, reduced both olefin conversion and aldehyde selectivity due to competitive adsorption. This work highlights the critical role of catalyst design, olefin diffusion, and feedstock composition in optimizing hydroformylation performance, offering insights for improving the efficiency of syngas-to-olefins and aldehydes processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zeolites as Catalysts: Applications in Chemical Engineering, Energy Sources and Environmental Protection, 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 4454 KiB  
Article
Ru/Beta Zeolite Catalysts for Levulinic Acid Hydrogenation: The Importance of Catalyst Synthesis Methodology
by Oana Adriana Petcuta, Nicolae Cristian Guzo, Mihai Bordeiasu, Adela Nicolaev, Vasile I. Parvulescu and Simona M. Coman
Catalysts 2025, 15(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15010080 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 825
Abstract
Ruthenium-based catalysts were prepared through a deposition–precipitation approach, taking beta zeolites with Si/Al ratios of 12.5, 18.5, and 150, respectively, as supports, and 1–3 wt% loadings of metal. Their activation was performed in the presence of either H2 or NaBH4. [...] Read more.
Ruthenium-based catalysts were prepared through a deposition–precipitation approach, taking beta zeolites with Si/Al ratios of 12.5, 18.5, and 150, respectively, as supports, and 1–3 wt% loadings of metal. Their activation was performed in the presence of either H2 or NaBH4. The dispersion of the Ru species and the acid–base properties were influenced by both the preparation method and the activation protocol. The catalysts reduced under H2 flow presented well-dispersed Ru(0) and RuOx nanoparticles, while the reduction with NaBH4 led to larger RuOx crystallites and highly dispersed Ru(0). These characteristics exerted an important role in the hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (GVL). The H2 dissociation occurred via a heterolytic mechanism involving Lewis acid–base pairs associated with RuOx and the framework oxygen (Si-O-Al) located near the zeolite pore edge. The Ru(0) nanoparticles activated the –C=O bond of the LA substrate, while the presence of the carrier zeolite Brønsted acid sites promoted the ring-closure esterification of the 4-hydroxyvaleric acid (4-HVA) intermediate to GVL. An optimal combination of these features was achieved for the catalyst with 3 wt% Ru and a Si/Al ratio of 150, which selectively converted LA (XLA = 96.5%) to GVL (SGVL = 97.8%) at 130 °C and 10 bars of H2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zeolites as Catalysts: Applications in Chemical Engineering, Energy Sources and Environmental Protection, 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 3920 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of High-Quality TS-1 Zeolites Using Precursors of Diol-Based Polymer and Tetrapropylammonium Bromide for 1-Hexene Epoxidation
by Yuting Sun, Xinyu Chang, Junling Zhan, Chongyao Bi, Zhehan Dong, Shuaishuai Sun and Mingjun Jia
Catalysts 2024, 14(12), 939; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14120939 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 914
Abstract
To synthesize high-quality TS-1 zeolites with enhanced catalytic performance for 1-hexene epoxidation is highly attractive for meeting the increased need for sustainable chemistry. Herein, we report that a series of framework Ti-enriched TS-1 zeolites with high crystallinity can be effectively synthesized by the [...] Read more.
To synthesize high-quality TS-1 zeolites with enhanced catalytic performance for 1-hexene epoxidation is highly attractive for meeting the increased need for sustainable chemistry. Herein, we report that a series of framework Ti-enriched TS-1 zeolites with high crystallinity can be effectively synthesized by the hydrothermal crystallization of a composite precursor composed of diol-based polymer (containing titanium and silicon) and tetrapropylammonium bromide (TPABr). The pre-addition of a certain amount of TPABr into the polymer-based precursor plays a very positive role in maintaining the high crystallinity and framework Ti incorporation rate of TS-1 zeolites under the premise that a relatively low concentration of tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) template is adopted in the following hydrothermal crystallization process. The condition-optimized TS-1 zeolite with a smaller particle size (300–500 nm) shows excellent catalytic activity, selectivity, and recyclability for the epoxidation of 1-hexene with H2O2 as an oxidant, which can achieve a 75.4% conversion of 1-hexene and a 99% selectivity of epoxide at a reaction temperature of 60 °C, which is much better than the TS-1 zeolites reported in the previous literature. The relatively small particle size of the resultant TS-1 crystals may enhance the accessibility of the catalytically active framework Ti species to reagents, and the absence of non-framework Ti species, like anatase TiO2, and low polymerized six-coordinated Ti species could effectively inhibit the ineffective decomposition of H2O2 and the occurrence of side reactions, leading to an improvement in the catalytic efficiency for the epoxidation of 1-hexente with H2O2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zeolites as Catalysts: Applications in Chemical Engineering, Energy Sources and Environmental Protection, 2nd Edition)
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Graphical abstract

15 pages, 4408 KiB  
Article
Cu/MOF-808 Catalyst for Transfer Hydrogenation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2, 5-Furandimethanol with Formic Acid Mediation
by Jingxin Tan, Mengqi Li, Lingtao Liu, Lijian Wang, Haocun Wang, Junjie Bian and Chunhu Li
Catalysts 2024, 14(12), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14120929 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1088
Abstract
Biomass platform compound 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), with its low price and abundant source, can be used as a renewable resource to replace traditional petrochemicals. MOF-808(Zr) has tunable active sites and excellent stability under high temperatures and acidic as well as basic environments, and the [...] Read more.
Biomass platform compound 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), with its low price and abundant source, can be used as a renewable resource to replace traditional petrochemicals. MOF-808(Zr) has tunable active sites and excellent stability under high temperatures and acidic as well as basic environments, and the unsaturated coordination of metal ions within its framework structure can exhibit Lewis acidity, facilitating catalytic transfer hydrogenation from HMF to 2, 5-Furandimethanol (BHMF). The hydrothermal–impregnation–reduction method was used to prepare Cu/MOF-808 catalysts with high catalytic performance. Formic acid was chosen as the hydrogen donor solvent. The selectivity and yield of BHMF were 75.65% and 71%, respectively, at 150 °C for 4 h. A reaction pathway for the catalytic hydrogen transfer of HMF to BHMF was proposed. The high activity and stability of the Cu/MOF-808 catalyst with dual active sites provide a viable method for feasible hydrogenation of HMF to high value-added compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zeolites as Catalysts: Applications in Chemical Engineering, Energy Sources and Environmental Protection, 2nd Edition)
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