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15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Industrial Development of Catalytic Materials for...
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15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Industrial Development of Catalytic Materials for the Energetic Transition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 4305

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Guido Busca

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Guest Editor
Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genoa, Via Opera Pia 15, 16145 Genoa, Italy
Interests: industrial chemical processes; industrial catalysis; metal catalysts; oxidation catalysts; catalyst carriers; catalysts characterization; catalysts development; mechanism of catalytic reactions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Marco Martino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Energy Technology and Renewable Sources Department (TERIN)—ENEA—Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Piazzale Enrico Fermi, 1, Località Granatello, 80055 Portici, Italy
Interests: hydrogen production and storage; reforming; gasification; propane dehydrogenation; structured catalysts
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Georgios Bampos

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
Interests: heterogeneous catalysis; electrochemistry; batteries and fuel cells; hydrogen; bioenergy; carbon capture and sequestration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As you may be aware, the Catalysts journal will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2026. At this time, the study of catalysis and catalysts has been a key point in developing and improving chemical and energetic industrial processes. However, perspectives on the development of industrial chemistry has progressively changed, from mainly using fossil raw materials, such as coal, oil and natural gas, to renewable raw materials for the production of both chemicals and energy. In fact, catalysis will continue to be a key phenomenon allowing to realize efficiently sustainable chemical and energetic processes upon the expected energy transition. In recent times, a new section has been included in the Catalysts journal, specifically covering the subject of industrial catalysts, i.e., materials that are used in the industry or are very near industrial exploitation. To celebrate the 15th anniversary of our journal, we launch here a Special Issue entitled “15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Industrial Development of Catalytic Materials for the Energetic Transition”, with the aim to contribute to the development and the improvement of catalytic technologies allowing a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases of fossilprigins in the fields of chemicals production, energy production and utilization.

New and more efficient catalytic and electrocatalytic materials are urgently needed to facilitate the desired energetic transition, with the final aim to strongly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases of fossil origin. It is evident that new, more efficient electrode materials are needed to increase the energy density of batteries and to make their recharge faster, as well as to improve their lifetime and reduce the costs of fuel cells and electrolytic cells for green hydrogen production. In parallel, new catalytic systems are needed for producing biofuels and e-fuels efficiently and sustainably in order to feed large and long-trip vehicles, such as transoceanic ships and transcontinental aircrafts.

Prof. Dr. Guido Busca
Dr. Marco Martino
Dr. Georgios Bampos
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

  • catalysts for energetic transition
  • electrocatalysts for energetic transition
  • biofuels
  • e-fuels
  • hydrogen adsorption, activation and evolution
  • hydrodeoxygenation catalysts
  • bioethanol conversion
  • catalytic pyrolysis
  • biogas conversion catalysts
  • CO2 hydrogenation catalysts

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3062 KB  
Article
Hierarchical ZnCo CNFs@CNTs as High-Performance Bifunctional Air Electrodes for Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries
by Zhixin Wang, Yingjie Chen, Likai Jin, Fanzhen Kong, Beili Pang, Qian Zhang, Jianguang Feng, Liyan Yu and Lifeng Dong
Catalysts 2026, 16(4), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16040331 - 3 Apr 2026
Viewed by 482
Abstract
Carbon-based bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts with rationally designed architectures are essential for high-performance rechargeable zinc–air batteries (ZABs), yet the concurrent optimization of catalytic activity, durability, and mass transport remains challenging. Herein, hierarchical ZnCo carbon nanofibers/carbon nanotubes (CNFs@CNTs) are fabricated via single-nozzle electrospinning followed by [...] Read more.
Carbon-based bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts with rationally designed architectures are essential for high-performance rechargeable zinc–air batteries (ZABs), yet the concurrent optimization of catalytic activity, durability, and mass transport remains challenging. Herein, hierarchical ZnCo carbon nanofibers/carbon nanotubes (CNFs@CNTs) are fabricated via single-nozzle electrospinning followed by melamine-assisted pyrolysis under a ZnCl2-regulated atmosphere. During thermal treatment, Co species embedded within carbon nanofibers catalyze in situ carbon nanotube growth, while ZnCl2 vapor modulates the carbonization process and surface chemistry, collectively generating a hierarchical CNFs@CNTs architecture with high surface area and abundant exposed active sites. As a result, ZnCo CNFs@CNTs exhibit outstanding bifunctional ORR/OER activity, surpassing Zn-free and Co-free counterparts. Combined structural and electrochemical analyses reveal that the synergistic interaction between Co active centers and Zn-assisted carbon structural regulation enhances reaction kinetics and long-term stability. When implemented as air electrodes in rechargeable ZABs, ZnCo CNFs@CNTs deliver high power density, reduced charge–discharge polarization, and excellent cycling durability, demonstrating strong practical applicability. This work presents an effective strategy for constructing hierarchical CNFs@CNTs composites via electrospinning and dual-component thermal regulation, offering new insights into the design of high-efficiency bifunctional air electrodes for advanced ZABs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Industrial Development of Catalytic Materials for the Energetic Transition)
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12 pages, 3035 KB  
Article
Fe-NC@NiFe-LDH Derived from Iron-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks as an Efficient Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalyst for Zn–Air Batteries
by Pengfei Sha, Zhi Ling, Kaifa Liu, Di Chen, Beili Pang, Fengying Yan, Jing Sui, Qian Zhang, Jianhua Yu, Liyan Yu and Lifeng Dong
Catalysts 2026, 16(2), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16020152 - 3 Feb 2026
Viewed by 750
Abstract
The rational design and synthesis of efficient and durable bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great significance and challenging for rechargeable zinc–air batteries. While much attention has been devoted to enhancing ORR performance in recent [...] Read more.
The rational design and synthesis of efficient and durable bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great significance and challenging for rechargeable zinc–air batteries. While much attention has been devoted to enhancing ORR performance in recent studies, the effectiveness of OER is equally crucial for charging performance of Zn–air batteries. In this work, NH2-MIL-101(Fe) is employed as a precursor to derive Fe-NC through a straightforward pyrolysis method. Subsequently, NiFe-LDH is synthesized on the surface of Fe-NC via a wet-chemical process to obtain Fe-NC@NiFe-LDH. Capitalizing on the synergistic interplay between Fe-NC, serving as the ORR active site, and NiFe-LDH, acting as the OER active site, Fe-NC@NiFe-LDH demonstrates remarkable bifunctional electrocatalytic performance, boasting a positive half-wave potential of 0.83 V for ORR and a low potential of 1.68 V for OER at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, alongside exceptional stability in alkaline environments. Furthermore, the Fe-NC@NiFe-LDH-based Zn–air battery exhibits outstanding discharge and charge performance, maintaining excellent cycling stability over 600 h (3600 cycles). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Industrial Development of Catalytic Materials for the Energetic Transition)
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21 pages, 5441 KB  
Article
The Role of Plasma-Emitted Photons in Plasma-Catalytic CO2 Splitting over TiO2 Nanotube-Based Electrodes
by Palmarita Demoro, Nima Pourali, Francesco Pio Abramo, Christine Vantomme, Evgeny Rebrov, Gabriele Centi, Siglinda Perathoner, Sammy Verbruggen, Annemie Bogaerts and Salvatore Abate
Catalysts 2026, 16(2), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16020137 - 2 Feb 2026
Viewed by 891
Abstract
The plasma-catalytic conversion of CO2 is a promising route toward sustainable fuel and chemical production under mild operating conditions. However, many aspects still need to be better understood to improve performance and better understand the catalyst-plasma synergies. Among them, one aspect concerns [...] Read more.
The plasma-catalytic conversion of CO2 is a promising route toward sustainable fuel and chemical production under mild operating conditions. However, many aspects still need to be better understood to improve performance and better understand the catalyst-plasma synergies. Among them, one aspect concerns understanding whether photons emitted by plasma discharges could induce changes in the catalyst, thereby promoting interaction between plasma species and the catalyst. This question was addressed by investigating the CO2 splitting reaction in a planar dielectric barrier discharge (pDBD) reactor using titania-based catalysts that simultaneously act as discharge electrodes. Four systems were examined feeding pure CO2 at different flow rates and applied voltage: bare titanium gauze, anodically formed TiO2 nanotubes (TiNT), TiNT decorated with Ag–Au nanoparticles (TiNTAgAu), and TiNT supporting Ag–Au nanoparticles coated with polyaniline (TiNTAgAu/PANI). The TiNTAgAu exhibited the highest CO2 conversion (35% at 10 mL min−1 and 5.45 kV) and the most intense optical emission, even in the absence of external light irradiation, suggesting that the improvement is primarily attributed to plasma–nanoparticle interactions and self-induced localized surface plasmon resonance (si-LSPR) rather than conventional photocatalytic pathways. SEM analyses indicated severe plasma-induced degradation of TiNT and TiNTAgAu surfaces, leading to performance decay over time. In contrast, the TiNTAgAu/PANI catalyst retained structural integrity, with the polymeric coating mitigating plasma etching while maintaining competitive efficiency. There is thus a complex behavior with catalytic performance governed by nanostructure stability, plasmonic enhancement, and the interfacial protection. The results demonstrate how integrating plasmonic nanoparticles and conductive polymers can enable the rational design of durable and efficient plasma-photocatalysts for CO2 valorization and other plasma-assisted catalytic processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Industrial Development of Catalytic Materials for the Energetic Transition)
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22 pages, 5608 KB  
Article
ZSM-5 Nanocatalyst from Rice Husk: Synthesis, DFT Analysis, and Au/Pt Modification for Isopropanol Conversion
by Ebtsam K. Alenezy, Sahar A. El-Molla, Karam S. El-Nasser, Ylias Sabri and Ibraheem O. Ali
Catalysts 2026, 16(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16010110 - 22 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 666
Abstract
Silica extracted from rice straw was utilized to synthesize nanoscale ZSM-5 zeolite, which was further modified with platinum (Pt) or gold (Au). The structural properties of the materials were examined using XRD, SEM, and BET analysis, while acidity distribution was determined by in [...] Read more.
Silica extracted from rice straw was utilized to synthesize nanoscale ZSM-5 zeolite, which was further modified with platinum (Pt) or gold (Au). The structural properties of the materials were examined using XRD, SEM, and BET analysis, while acidity distribution was determined by in situ FT-IR through pyridine adsorption. The zeolitic samples were evaluated as catalysts for isopropanol conversion in the temperature range of 150–275 °C. Modification of HZSM-5 with Au and Pt introduced additional active metal sites and enhanced the acidity of the catalyst, thereby lowering the activation energy for dehydration reactions and improving catalytic performance. Both acetone and propene were produced from isopropanol conversion across all catalysts, with oligomerization occurring at temperatures above 200 °C. Among the catalysts, HZSM-5 modified with 4% Pt or 4% Au exhibited superior conversion rates and selectivity to propene, achieving 92% selectivity at 200 °C. The enhanced propylene selectivity and stability of Au/HZSM-5 are associated with preserved medium-strength acid sites, as evidenced by in situ FT-IR pyridine adsorption, particularly the band at 1457 cm−1. Theoretical studies indicated that incorporating noble metals such as Au and Pt enhances the stability of the zeolite structure, which is consistent with the experimental results, suggesting new potential for advanced catalysis and material science applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Industrial Development of Catalytic Materials for the Energetic Transition)
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Review

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30 pages, 2449 KB  
Review
Unveiling the Role of Ga- and Cr-Based Catalysts in CO2-Assisted Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane: Mechanistic and Support-Acid/Base Perspectives
by Georgios Bampos, Panagiota Natsi and Paraskevi Panagiotopoulou
Catalysts 2026, 16(2), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16020163 - 3 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1032
Abstract
Propylene (C3H6) is a vital building block in the chemical industry as it serves as a key raw material for producing plastics, synthetic fibers and numerous daily-use chemicals. However, the current production routes of C3H6 are [...] Read more.
Propylene (C3H6) is a vital building block in the chemical industry as it serves as a key raw material for producing plastics, synthetic fibers and numerous daily-use chemicals. However, the current production routes of C3H6 are energy-intensive and face sustainability challenges, prompting the scientific community to explore alternative technologies for its production. The oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (ODHP) using CO2 as a soft oxidant offers a safe and sustainable pathway for C3H6 production, where CO2 can act as a hydrogen scavenger, coke suppressor and site re-activator. Gallium- and chromium-based catalysts are among the most studied systems for CO2-assisted ODHP, yet they operate by distinct mechanisms: Ga catalysts follow pathways where both acidic and basic sites are involved, while Cr catalysts rely on redox cycles involving variations in the oxidation state of chromium. In addition to performance and reaction mechanism, Ga- and Cr-based catalysts differ markedly in terms of sustainability, with Cr systems facing environmental and regulatory challenges associated with Cr6+ species toxicity, while Ga systems, although less toxic, are constrained by gallium scarcity and cost. This review compares Ga- and Cr-based catalysts side by side, emphasizing how support effects, addition of promoters and mechanistic insights fine tune their performance. The aim is to highlight the advantages, the limitations as well as the sustainability implications of these materials and finally to outline future directions for designing more efficient and environmentally friendly catalysts for propylene production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Industrial Development of Catalytic Materials for the Energetic Transition)
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