Catalytic Conversion of Small Molecules for Energy and Environmental Sustainability
A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 54
Special Issue Editor
Interests: amorphous and rapidly quenched alloys; Fischer–Tropsch synthesis; CO₂ hydrogenation; photo-/electro-catalytic O₂ reduction for light hydrocarbon upgrading; catalytic material synthesis (biomass/molecular sieve-based)
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The catalytic conversion of small molecules, such as oxygen (O2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and light hydrocarbons, represents a critical means of addressing global energy demands and environmental sustainability. These molecules, which play a pivotal role in various industrial applications, ranging from energy production to chemical synthesis, pose unique challenges that require innovative catalytic solutions for efficient and sustainable transformation.
This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advancements and breakthroughs in the field of catalysis, particularly when targeting the conversion of these small molecules. We seek contributions that explore novel catalyst designs, mechanisms, and applications that aim to enhance the efficiency, selectivity, and stability of processes involving O2, CO, CO2 and C3H8. The scope of this Special Issue therefore includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:
The development of advanced catalytic systems for selective oxidation or reduction reactions involving these molecules.
Innovations in CO2 capture, activation, and conversion technologies for the synthesis of valuable chemicals and fuels.
Catalytic approaches for the direct conversion of light hydrocarbons to higher value products, including olefins and aromatics.
New insights into the activation mechanisms of molecular oxygen and its application in selective oxidations.
Strategies for enhancing reaction efficiencies and reducing environmental impacts through catalytic processes tailored to these small molecules.
We welcome the submission of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that contribute to our understanding of catalytic science and technology in this crucial area. By compiling interdisciplinary efforts, we aim to foster innovations that lead to more sustainable and economically viable industrial applications.
We are looking forward to receiving your insightful contributions.
Prof. Dr. Minghua Qiao
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.
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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
- small-molecule catalytic conversion
- oxygen activation
- CO2 utilization
- light hydrocarbon valorization
- selective oxidation/reduction
- sustainable fuels and chemicals
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