Innovative Catalytic and Photocatalytic Systems for Environmental Remediation, 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 1033

Special Issue Editors

Department of Chemistry and Biology "A.Zambelli", University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
Interests: synthesis and characterization of catalytic materials; phosphor-based nanomaterials; nanostructured photocatalysts and supports; photocatalysis for the removal of pollutants from water and wastewater; membrane separation processes
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Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering, University Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo 2 132, I-84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
Interests: photocatalysis for sustainable chemistry; photocatalytic and photo-Fenton processes for pollutants removal in wastewater; catalytic combustion of sewage sludge; decomposition and oxidative decomposition of H2S; hydrolysis of COS in the liquid phase
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering, University Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo 2 132, I-84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
Interests: preparation and characterization of nanophotocatalysts for environmental remediation and organic synthesis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This is the second edition of the Special Issue titled “Innovative Catalytic and Photocatalytic Systems for Environmental Remediation”. In this new edition, we will continue to showcase the latest advancements in catalytic and photocatalytic methods and systems for environmental remediation. We welcome research papers and comprehensive review articles that focus on the synthesis and characterization of novel nanomaterials or nanocomposites, as well as their applications in the catalytic removal of pollutants from liquid and gaseous phases. Additionally, we invite submissions on innovative structured catalysts designed for various applications in this Special Issue.

Dr. Olga Sacco
Dr. Vincenzo Vaiano
Dr. Antonietta Mancuso
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • nanomaterials
  • zero-valent iron (ZVI)
  • nanostructured photocatalysts
  • heterostructures
  • structured catalysts
  • water and wastewater treatment
  • gaseous stream treatment

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 935 KiB  
Article
Plasmon-Driven Catalytic Inhibition of pATP Oxidation as a Mechanism for Indirect Fe²⁺ Detection on a SERS-Active Platform
by Alexandru-Milentie Hada, Mihail-Mihnea Moruz, Alexandru Holca, Simion Astilean, Marc Lamy de la Chapelle and Monica Focsan
Catalysts 2025, 15(7), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15070667 - 8 Jul 2025
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Abstract
The detection of Fe2+ in environmental water sources is critical due to its biological relevance and potential toxicity at elevated levels. Herein, we report a plasmon-driven catalytic sensing nanoplatform based on p-aminothiophenol (pATP)-functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for the selective and sensitive detection [...] Read more.
The detection of Fe2+ in environmental water sources is critical due to its biological relevance and potential toxicity at elevated levels. Herein, we report a plasmon-driven catalytic sensing nanoplatform based on p-aminothiophenol (pATP)-functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for the selective and sensitive detection of Fe2+. The nanoplatform exploits the inhibition of the plasmon-driven catalytic conversion of pATP to 4,4-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB), monitored via surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. The catalytic efficiency was quantified by the intensity ratio between the formed DMAB-specific Raman band and the common aromatic ring vibration band of pATP and DMAB. This ratio decreased proportionally with increasing Fe2+ concentration over a range of 100 µM to 1.5 mM, with a calculated limit of detection of 39.7 µM. High selectivity was demonstrated against common metal ions, and excellent recovery rates (96.6–99.4%) were obtained in real water samples. Mechanistic insights, supported by chronopotentiometric measurements under light irradiation, revealed a competitive oxidation pathway in which Fe2+ preferentially consumes plasmon-generated hot holes over pATP. This mechanism clarifies the observed catalytic inhibition and supports the design of redox-responsive SERS sensors. The platform offers a rapid, low-cost, and portable solution for Fe2+ monitoring and holds promise for broader applications in detecting other redox-active analytes in complex environmental matrices. Full article
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29 pages, 16013 KiB  
Review
Supramolecular Perylene Diimides for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
by Long Tian, Qing Meng, Wenjie Zhou, Bang Hu, Zichun Jiang, Yulong Cai, Xiaoguang Liu and Yingzhi Chen
Catalysts 2025, 15(5), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15050463 - 8 May 2025
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Abstract
Energy depletion and environmental pollution have emerged as pressing global concerns, demanding the urgent promotion of green and clean energy sources. As such, the efficient utilization of solar energy for hydrogen production has gained significant research attention, with semiconductor photocatalysis emerging as an [...] Read more.
Energy depletion and environmental pollution have emerged as pressing global concerns, demanding the urgent promotion of green and clean energy sources. As such, the efficient utilization of solar energy for hydrogen production has gained significant research attention, with semiconductor photocatalysis emerging as an effective strategy. However, harnessing the full potential of semiconductor photocatalysis still poses great challenges. Notably, the limited utilization of visible light and the substantial recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs adversely affect photocatalytic performance, ultimately impeding the further development and practical application of semiconductor photocatalysis. Perylene diimide (PDI), an n-type semiconductor distinguished by its conjugated π-π bonds, exhibits remarkable photoelectric properties. Its energy band gap falls within the absorption range of visible light, ensuring remarkable light absorption efficiency. Furthermore, the photogenerated charge can be efficiently conducted along the π-π stacking in its structural unit, significantly reducing electron–hole recombination. Consequently, PDI holds immense potential for achieving visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production. Yet, despite these attributes, the photocatalytic efficiency of pure PDI is still far from practical use, necessitating innovative modifications to elevate its catalytic performance. In this review, we begin with an in-depth exploration of the principles underlying photocatalytic hydrogen production and discuss various strategies aimed at enhancing photocatalytic performance. We also engage in a comprehensive discussion and summation of the challenges encountered and the future prospects of PDI-based materials. Our endeavor is to pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in the field of photocatalysis, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future. Full article
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