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Catalysts
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Young Researchers in Electrocatalysis
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Young Researchers in Electrocatalysis

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 August 2026 | Viewed by 735

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Guillermo Díaz Sainz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
Interests: CO2 capture; CO2 electroreduction; CO2 photoelectroreduction; membrane processes; electrochemical reactor, electrocatalysis; electrochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Junrui Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
Interests: precisely synthesis nanomaterials; CO2 conversion; lignocellulosic biomass conversion; fuel cells; water electrolysis; membrane electrode assembly; electrochemistry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to highlight the most recent advances led by early-career researchers in catalysis and electrocatalysis. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that introduce innovative strategies for catalyst design, enhance reaction selectivity, and improve energy efficiency in key processes such as hydrogen evolution, CO2 reduction, oxygen reduction, and biomass valorization. Contributions may also explore catalyst synthesis, mechanistic insights, operando characterization, computational modeling, and reactor integration. This collection seeks to provide a dedicated platform for young scientists to showcase their work, foster collaboration, and accelerate the transition towards sustainable chemical and energy systems. By emphasizing novel concepts and emerging technologies, the Special Issue will offer a comprehensive overview of current challenges and future opportunities in (electro)catalysis, promoting the visibility and impact of the next generation of scientific leaders in this vital research area.

Dr. Guillermo Díaz Sainz
Dr. Junrui Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

  • (electro)catalysis
  • catalyst design
  • hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)
  • CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR)
  • oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)
  • biomass valorization
  • operando characterization
  • mechanistic understanding
  • computational modeling
  • reactor integration

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 6148 KB  
Article
Silver Nanoparticle-Decorated Graphene Oxide Composite as a Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Urea Sensor
by Chanatip Sungprasit, Kasidit Janbooranapinij, Khin Kalyar Nyein, Jidapa Chantaramethakul, Wei Lun Ang, Oratai Jongprateep, Ratchatee Techapiesancharoenkij and Gasidit Panomsuwan
Catalysts 2026, 16(5), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16050381 - 27 Apr 2026
Viewed by 371
Abstract
Rapid and accurate urea detection is of considerable importance in environmental monitoring and biomedical analysis, as abnormal urea levels are associated with water contamination and various health conditions. In this study, a silver nanoparticle-decorated graphene oxide (Ag/GO) composite was synthesized via a simple [...] Read more.
Rapid and accurate urea detection is of considerable importance in environmental monitoring and biomedical analysis, as abnormal urea levels are associated with water contamination and various health conditions. In this study, a silver nanoparticle-decorated graphene oxide (Ag/GO) composite was synthesized via a simple chemical reduction method. The characterization results confirmed the successful formation of well-crystalline Ag nanoparticles (7.44 ± 1.46 nm) with uniform dispersion on GO, with a Ag loading of 39.1 wt%. The electrochemical performance for urea detection was evaluated in an alkaline medium (0.1 M NaOH) using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry in a three-electrode system. The Ag/GO-modified glassy carbon electrode exhibited a strong electrocatalytic response toward urea oxidation, with a linear detection range of 1–10 mM. The sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) were 36.8 μA mM−1 and 0.11 mM, respectively. The sensor also demonstrated excellent selectivity in the presence of common interfering species, including uric acid, ascorbic acid, and glucose, along with good reproducibility, repeatability, and stability. Furthermore, the practical applicability of the sensor was assessed in real samples, where satisfactory recovery was achieved in tap water, while reduced performance was observed in milk due to matrix effects. These findings indicate that the Ag/GO composite can serve as an effective alternative electrode material for non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of urea, particularly in wastewater and biological systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Researchers in Electrocatalysis)
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Review

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31 pages, 125713 KB  
Review
Theoretical Insights and Design Strategies of Metal–Nitrogen–Carbon Catalysts for Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
by Jianhui Yi, Zi Wen and Qing Jiang
Catalysts 2026, 16(5), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16050456 - 13 May 2026
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Abstract
Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for ammonia synthesis, offering a promising alternative to the Haber–Bosch method. Despite its considerable potential, NRR is still plagued by a scarcity of efficient catalysts. Metal–nitrogen–carbon (M–N–C) catalysts exhibit unique advantages [...] Read more.
Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for ammonia synthesis, offering a promising alternative to the Haber–Bosch method. Despite its considerable potential, NRR is still plagued by a scarcity of efficient catalysts. Metal–nitrogen–carbon (M–N–C) catalysts exhibit unique advantages in achieving excellent NRR performance. Theoretical calculations are crucial in understanding and guiding the design of M–N–C catalysts. Herein, we summarize the theoretical progress and rational designs of M–N–C catalysts for NRR. The fundamental mechanisms of NRR are introduced, and the activity, selectivity, and stability exhibited by the M–N–C catalysts are analyzed in depth. Additionally, several design strategies for M–N–C catalysts are provided, including adjusting the central metal atoms, regulating the coordinative environments, and applying computational data-driven approaches to optimize the structures of M–N–C catalysts. Finally, a summary and outlook of M–N–C catalysts for NRR are given. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Researchers in Electrocatalysis)
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