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Recent Progress of Catalysis in “Dual Carbon Targets”

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 26809

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Prof. Dr. Zhenfeng Bian

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Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
Interests: CO₂ utilization; H₂ production TiO₂; g-C₃N₄; precious metal recovery; heterojunction; single-atom catalysis defects
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Prof. Dr. Kangle Lv

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College of Resources and Environment, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: semiconductor photocatalysis; nanomaterials; TiO₂; g-C₃N₄
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Dr. Sónia Carabineiro

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LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, Largo da Torre, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Interests: gold; nanoparticles; catalysis; carbon; oxides; oxidation; heterogenization; alcohols; alkanes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Zeai Huang

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School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China
Interests: methane conversion; photothermal catalysis; CO₂ reduction; oxygen carrier; heterogeneous catalysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change is affecting all of us. Around the globe, we are facing more intensified storms, floods and wildfires. These unpredictable weather events cause enormous damage to homes and livelihoods. 2500 delegates from nearly 200 countries attended the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, from 31 October to 13 November 2021 to discuss and find solutions to the challenges that we are facing. A new global agreement—the Glasgow Climate Pact—was reached to set the new agenda on climate change for the next decade. The Chinese Government have shown positive responses by announcing the “dual carbon targets”. The “dual carbon targets” commits China to reaching its carbon peak by 2030, and carbon neutralization by 2060. Such achievement requires huge changes and innovation. The aim of this Special Issue is to offer an international, intercultural and interdisciplinary academic platform to share your findings aiming to accomplish the “dual carbon targets”. Topics may include capture of CO₂ with its utilization, capture of other greenhouse gases, waste conversion through catalytic reactions, solar energy conversion and photovoltaics and any other related subjects. Global cooperation is vital to tackling climate change. Our economies and global security depend on the commitments and actions taken by every party.

We are looking forward to receive various research thoughts and results to this Special Issue, and we are grateful for your support and contributions. Your active participation and substantive input will be the basis of a successful outcome. We look forward to your submissions.

Herein, we would like to invite you all to contribute with your valuable research to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Zhenfeng Bian
Prof. Dr. Kangle Lv
Dr. Sónia Carabineiro
Dr. Zeai Huang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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 2700 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

catalysis
photocatalysis
CO₂ utilization
pollutant abatement
hydrogen production
co-catalysts
heterojunction
solar fuels
biofuels

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1482 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Zinc Iodide-Metal Chloride-Organic Base: An Efficient Catalytic System for Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from Carbon Dioxide and Epoxides under Ambient Conditions

by Masatoshi Mihara, Shuichi Nakao, Takeo Nakai and Takumi Mizuno

Catalysts 2023, 13(8), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13081214 - 16 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1754

Abstract

Development of an effective catalytic system for the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide to epoxides for the preparation of cyclic carbonates under mild conditions is of great importance. Herein, a mixture of zinc iodide, metal chlorides, and strong organic bases is demonstrated to be a useful catalytic system that works at room temperature under atmospheric pressure. The most efficient combination, zinc iodide-niobium chloride-7-methyl-1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (1.2-0.3-3.0 mol%), gave styrene carbonate (95%) from styrene oxide and CO₂ (balloon) at 25 °C for 24 h. Another combination, zinc iodide-zinc chloride-1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (1.2-0.8-4.0 mol%), kept the catalytic activity for the preparation of propylene carbonate until the fourth run. Therefore, the reaction system was operationally simple, highly efficient, and proceeded under ambient conditions. The catalyst is composed of readily available reagents and is reusable. Thus, the method presented is a powerful tool for utilizing CO₂ as the starting material for the production of valuable chemicals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress of Catalysis in “Dual Carbon Targets”)

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16 pages, 6808 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Porphyrin Modified UiO-66-NH₂ for Highly Efficient Photoreduction of Cr(VI) under Visible Light

by Kaiwen Yuan, Bo Gong, Chundong Peng, Yanmei Feng, Yingmo Hu, Kai Chen, Daimei Chen and Derek Hao

Catalysts 2023, 13(7), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13071073 - 6 Jul 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2106

Abstract

Cr(VI) is a common heavy metal pollutants present in the aquatic environment, which possess toxic and carcinogenic properties. In this study, a solvothermal reaction was used to prepare porphyrin (TCPP)-modified UiO-66-NH₂ (UNT). The UNT integrated adsorption and photocatalytics in the application for dealing with Cr(VI). The photocatalytic reduction activities of UNT for Cr(VI) were investigated under visible light illumination. We found that the TCPP doping amount of 15 mg UNT (15-UNT) had a 10 times higher reduction rate of Cr(VI) than pristine UiO-66-NH₂. The optimal 15-UNT photocatalyst demonstrated the highest photocatalytic activity, and Cr(VI) was completely removed within 80 min. In addition, the introduction of porphyrin not only enhanced the absorption of light but also enabled the transport of photogenerated electrons from porphyrin to UiO-66-NH₂, which promoted the separation of charge carriers. Furthermore, the effects of factors such as porphyrin content, pH and light source on the photocatalytic reduction performances of UNT were also explored. Overall, this work presented a possible relationship between the crystal structures and the performance of UNT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress of Catalysis in “Dual Carbon Targets”)

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14 pages, 4395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of High Geometric Filling Factor Perovskite Module and Feasibility Study on Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production

by Lang Yu, Wenfeng Zhang, Hao Ge, Guangyuan Yan, Wei Yu, Yonghong Du, Leyi Zhou, Wei Long and Yuelong Huang

Catalysts 2023, 13(6), 953; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13060953 - 31 May 2023

Viewed by 1819

Abstract

In recent years, perovskite solar cells have achieved high efficiency in small areas, but the industrialization of perovskite solar cells is still hampered by the efficiency loss of cells during area scaling. Series modules are currently the most widely used and effective modular process for perovskite solar cells, a process that requires the patterning of the layer stack in individual cells. This interconnection scheme consists of three lines, P1–P3, which are ablated using a pulsed laser beam. In this work, we developed an efficient perovskite module with a high geometric fill factor (GFF) based on a two-step spin-coating method by optimizing the laser ablation step. We constructed the entire device structure by means of a picosecond green pulsed laser, meanwhile, the dead area is greatly reduced by optimizing the parameters and process, and finally achieving an ultra-high GFF of over 99%. In addition, we investigated the effect of poor P2 and P3 ablation on the perovskite solar modules and compared the performance of the module before and after ablation optimization. We finally obtained a maximum photoelectric conversion efficiency of 22.79% with an aperture area of 12.6 cm². Concurrently, we conducted electrocatalytic hydrogen production experiments on the prepared perovskite solar modules, and the experimental results have also shown excellent performance and good prospects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress of Catalysis in “Dual Carbon Targets”)

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15 pages, 3660 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Atmospheric and Efficient Selective Oxidation of Ethylbenzene Catalyzed by Cobalt Oxides Supported on Mesoporous Carbon Nitride

by Ye Zhu, Xue-Wen Zhang, Fei Wang, Bing Xue and Jie Xu

Catalysts 2023, 13(5), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13050828 - 30 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1516

Abstract

Mesoporous carbon nitride (mpg-C₃N₄) was prepared by using cyanamide as a precursor and colloidal nanosilica as a template. Then, the mpg-C₃N₄ was used as a catalytic support to load CoO_x. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized CoO_x/mpg-C₃N₄ materials were elucidated by multiple characterization methods, and the catalytic activities were examined in the selective oxidation of ethylbenzene (EB) under atmospheric pressure by using tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide (TBHP) as an oxidant. It was found that mpg-C₃N₄ possessed a higher specific surface area than other carbon nitride materials, and its abundant N_b species were able to interact with Co (II) species. When the dosages of EB and TBHP were 10 mmol and 30 mmol, respectively, the reaction temperature was 100 °C, and the reaction time was 10 h, the conversion rate of ethylbenzene was 62%, and the selectivity of AP was 84.7%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress of Catalysis in “Dual Carbon Targets”)

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10 pages, 7544 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

In Situ Etching Synthesis of TiO₂-SBA-15 Nanocomposite Enhancing Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation

by Fujian Lv, Yingchun Miao, Didi Yang, Bing Mao, Zhenfeng Bian and Fengxia Zhu

Catalysts 2022, 12(11), 1334; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12111334 - 1 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1691

Abstract

The adsorption-enhancing TiO₂-SBA-15 photocatalyst has been synthesized by an in situ etching displacement method, which possesses unique regular hexagonal pores and large specific surface area. The as-prepared TiO₂-SBA-15 can effectively adsorb and increase the concentration of pollutants in the photocatalyst and collision likelihood with the photogenerated radicals, thus improving the efficiency of photocatalytic organic degradation. The structure and morphology have been characterized by N₂ adsorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These characterizations confirm that TiF₄ alcohol solution prefers to react with the internal surface of SBA-15 because of the Siphon effect. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra demonstrate that a Ti-O-Si bond formed after the reaction of TiF₄ with SBA-15, which reveals a wonderful combination of TiO₂ and SiO₂ even at low temperatures. Through this function, the nanocomposite TiO₂-SBA-15 could obviously improve the efficiency of photocatalytical removal of toluene in the gas phase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress of Catalysis in “Dual Carbon Targets”)

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11 pages, 7651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Photocatalytic Stille Coupling Reaction by CuPd Alloy-Doped Ordered Mesoporous TiO₂

by Ting Tang, Lehong Jin, Wei Chai, Jing Shen, Zhenmin Xu and Haifang Mao

Catalysts 2022, 12(10), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12101238 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1637

Abstract

Rational surface engineering of noble metal-doped photocatalysts is essential for the efficient conversion of solar energy into chemical energy, but it is still challenging to perform. Herein, we reported an effective strategy for structuring alloyed CuPd (CP) nanoclusters on the ordered mesoporous TiO₂ (CPT) by a pore confinement effect. The resultant CPT exhibited an extraordinary photocatalytic activity during Stille reaction under visible light. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra, the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images, and the aberration-corrected high-angle annular dark scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) images demonstrated that CP nanoclusters were anchored in the mesoporous pore wall of TiO₂, and the atomic ratio as well as densities of CP could be precisely modulated via the coordination configuration. As the atomic ratio of CP to TiO₂ increased to a certain extent, their photocatalytic activity during Stille reaction increased. A mechanistic investigation suggested that the CP alloy could absorb visible light and its conduction electrons gained energy, which were available at the surface Pd sites. This allowed the Pd sites to become electron-rich and to accelerate the rate-determining step of the Stille reaction. As a result, the efficiency of the photocatalytic Stille coupling reaction was extraordinary enhanced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress of Catalysis in “Dual Carbon Targets”)

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11 pages, 3241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photocatalytic Bacterial Inactivation of Acinetobacter baumannli on Cu/TiO₂/Diatomite

by Xiaolin Xu, Yacong Yang, Yingchun Miao, Kaiquan Liu, Fujian Lv, Liping Zhou, Xuqi Tang, Yanmi Liu and Xinchun Guo

Catalysts 2022, 12(10), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12101217 - 12 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1541

Abstract

Cu₄Ti₂O/TiO₂/diatomite with double interface Cu₄Ti₂O/TiO₂ and rutile/anatase heterojunction were fabricated, which demonstrated good antibacterial activity (100%) against Acinetobacter baumannii. Cu/TiO₂/diatomite prepared under optimum preparation conditions (added diatomite, 0.005 g; Cu, 0.005 g; reaction temperature, 180 °C; reaction time, 8 h) exhibited high antibacterial activity (100%) against A. baumannii. For the Cu/TiO₂/diatomite powders, their structural, compositional, optical and morphological traits were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, BET, FTIR, Mapping, and DRS. It was shown that Cu/TiO₂/diatomite under optimum conditions consisted of the double interface Cu₄Ti₂O/TiO₂ and rutile/anatase heterojunction with the narrowest band gap and largest BET surface area, pore size, and pore volume. Then, it could exhibit the best photocatalytic activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress of Catalysis in “Dual Carbon Targets”)

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16 pages, 12821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modified Mn/ZSM-5 for Non-Thermal Plasma Mineralization of VOCs and DFT Simulation Using a Novel Y-Type ZSM-5 Model

by Su Liu, Jiabin Zhou, Dan Liu and Ke Du

Catalysts 2022, 12(8), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12080906 - 17 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1927

Abstract

Using a catalyst to mineralize volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a Non-thermal Plasma (NTP) reactor is an effective method. In many kinds of catalysts for VOCs degradation, oxygen defect is a crucial factor affecting the catalytic activity. Three different methods (steaming, doping, plasma) were used to introduce possible oxygen defects into the Mn/ZSM-5 to prepare modified catalysts, which were evaluated in VOCs degradation activity using a Double Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DDBD) plasma device. Additionally, a novel Y-type ZSM-5 model was employed in the DFT simulation. The new Y-type ZSM-5 model used in this paper is a more realistic aperiodic model. It showed that introducing possible oxygen defects can substantially enhance degradation efficiency. Taking the catalyst with oxygen defects introduced by plasma as an example, the conversion (CO₂ selectivity) of the methanol, acetone, and toluene could reach 100% (100%), 97.7% (99.1%), 91.2% (93.9%), respectively, at an initial concentration of 2000 ppm and specific input energy of 9 kJ/L. The results demonstrated that modification could significantly enhance the activity of the catalyst in decomposing VOCs at room temperature using non-thermal plasma catalysis. Theoretical simulation of density functional theory (DFT) revealed that the adsorption of adsorbate on the catalyst becomes easier after possible oxygen defects are introduced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress of Catalysis in “Dual Carbon Targets”)

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Review

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20 pages, 22734 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress of MIL MOF Materials in Degradation of Organic Pollutants by Fenton Reaction

by Keru Xiao, Bao Shu, Kangle Lv, Peipei Huang, Qing Chang, Laiyan Wu, Songbo Wang and Lingling Cao

Catalysts 2023, 13(4), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13040734 - 13 Apr 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3545

Abstract

In recent years, environmental pollution has become more serious, especially the organic pollutants. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials used to degrade pollutants recently. Among them, Materials Institute Lavoisier frameworks (MILs) have been widely engaged due to their good stability and unique structural characteristics. This paper systematically analyses and summarizes the progress of MILs in degradation of organic pollutant by Fenton reaction in recent years. The MILs, especially four types of MILs, including MIL-100, MIL-101, MIL-88, and MIL-53, are first described and classified. Then, the common synthesis methods (hydrothermal synthesis, steam-assisted synthesis, and microwave-assisted synthesis) of MIL are summarized and compared. Modification and activation of MILs to obtain good degradation effect are also introduced and discussed. Finally, the applications of MILs in Fenton reaction are reviewed and their future development is prospected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress of Catalysis in “Dual Carbon Targets”)

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12 pages, 2669 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress of Metal-Oxide-Based Catalysts for Non-Oxidative Coupling of Methane to Ethane and Hydrogen

by Junbu Wang, Zhiqiang Rao, Zeai Huang, Yaolin Chen, Fang Wang and Ying Zhou

Catalysts 2023, 13(4), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13040719 - 10 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2260

Abstract

Methane is the fundamental raw material of the C1 chemical industry, with abundant reserves. Its direct conversion into high-value-added chemicals has great scientific significance and broad commercial potential for the efficient use of methane resources. However, it is difficult to convert methane into more useful hydrocarbons and hydrogen, as the reaction usually requires external energy to overcome thermodynamic limitations. Non-oxidative coupling of methane to produce ethane and hydrogen is a promising supply technology. Catalysts which can be adapted to various energy sources are key to this technology. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in the design and application of these thermal and photocatalysts. This review outlines some typical catalysts, and reviews the progress in the understanding of reaction mechanisms. Finally, suggestions for the development of high-selectivity and high-stability catalysts for the future are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress of Catalysis in “Dual Carbon Targets”)

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18 pages, 3894 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress of Natural Mineral Materials in Environmental Remediation

by Ningxin Kang, Weichuang Zhou, Zheng Qi, Yuhan Li, Zhi Wang, Qin Li and Kangle Lv

Catalysts 2022, 12(9), 996; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12090996 - 4 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2326

Abstract

Organic contaminants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals have posed long-term threats to the ecosystem and human health. Natural minerals have aroused widespread interest in the field of environmental remediation due to their unique characteristics such as rich resources, environmentally benign, and excellent photoelectric properties. This review briefly introduced the contributions of natural minerals such as sulfide minerals, oxide minerals, and oxysalt minerals in pollution control, which include organic pollution degradation, sterilization, air purification (NO VOCs oxidation), and heavy metal treatment by means of photocatalysis, Fenton catalysis, persulfate activation, and adsorption process. At last, the future challenges of natural mineral materials in pollution control are also outlooked. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress of Catalysis in “Dual Carbon Targets”)

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23 pages, 5357 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances of Doping and Surface Modifying Carbon Nitride with Characterization Techniques

by Jinbao Chen, Shun Fang, Qun Shen, Jiajie Fan, Qin Li and Kangle Lv

Catalysts 2022, 12(9), 962; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12090962 - 29 Aug 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3419

Abstract

As a non-metallic organic semiconductor photocatalyst, graphitic carbon nitride (g–C₃N₄, CN) has become a research hotspot due to its excellent performance in organic degradation, CO₂ reduction and water splitting to produce hydrogen. However, the high recombination rate of electron-hole pairs, low specific surface area and weak light absorption of bulk CN synthesized by the traditional one-step thermal polymerization method seriously restrict its photocatalytic performance and practical application. To enhance the photocatalytic performance of CN, doping and surface modification strategies are usually employed to tune the band gap of carbon nitride and improve the separation of carriers. In this paper, the research progress of different methods to modify CN in recent years is introduced, and the mechanisms of improving the photocatalytic performance are mainly analyzed. Typical modification methods are mainly divided into metal doping, non-metal doping, co-doping and surface-functionalized modification. Some characterization methods that can analyze the doping state and surface modification are also discussed as examples. Finally, the difficulties that need to be addressed through modified CN photocatalysts and the directions for future research are pointed out. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress of Catalysis in “Dual Carbon Targets”)

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