Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.6
4.0
Journals
Catalysts
Special Issues
15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Catalysis for Biomass Conversion and Valorisation
share announcement

15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Catalysis for Biomass Conversion and Valorisation

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 3737

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sergio Nogales Delgado

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Applied Physics, University of Extremadura, Avda. De Elvas S/N, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Interests: biomass; biodiesel; biolubricants; methane reforming; glycerol
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Changwei Hu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
Interests: catalytic conversion of bio-based materials to fuel and chemicals; molecular modeling on catalytic systems; green chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As part of “the 15th Anniversary of Catalysts series”, this Special Issue aims to highlight the most relevant and innovative advances in biomass valorization. Although 15 years may appear to be a brief period, the catalytic conversion of biomass has changed considerably during this time, presenting further challenges like the synthesis of more resistant or selective catalysts, the impact assessment of their synthesis and use, or the selection of new materials to contribute to the circular economy. Thus, studies on different processes (such as pyrolysis, gasification, Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, transesterification, hydrolysis or fermentation, among others), and research focused on catalytic performance, its environmental impact or cost-effectiveness at industrial scale are welcome. In other words, despite a wide range of challenges, the future of biomass catalysis is promising, and we encourage you to contribute to this Special Issue to complete the outlook in this field.

Dr. Sergio Nogales Delgado
Prof. Dr. Changwei Hu
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

  • biomass conversion
  • waste valorization
  • catalyst stability
  • deactivation
  • catalyst activity and selectivity
  • reusability
  • environmentally friendly
  • LCA
  • cost-effectiveness

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

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

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

17 pages, 21280 KB  
Article
Low-Temperature Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin Model Compounds over Defect-Engineered Nickel Catalysts
by Yanliang Yang, Yaoru Du, Yue Luo, Ying Duan, Dong Sui, Yunmeng Wang, Xuechuan Lv and Tianliang Lu
Catalysts 2026, 16(5), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16050455 - 13 May 2026
Viewed by 5
Abstract
Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of aromatic aldehydes represents a core research direction in the efficient utilization of lignin. In this study, a cost-effective catalyst was constructed by incorporating rich lattice defects into Ni nanoparticles. The catalyst was synthesized via a uniform precipitation method, employing [...] Read more.
Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of aromatic aldehydes represents a core research direction in the efficient utilization of lignin. In this study, a cost-effective catalyst was constructed by incorporating rich lattice defects into Ni nanoparticles. The catalyst was synthesized via a uniform precipitation method, employing urea as the precipitant. By introducing aluminum nitrate during the precipitation process, nickel was effectively segregated to inhibit its growth and the generation of well-crystallized, defect-free Ni nanoparticles, thereby generating a substantial quantity of defective Ni nanoparticles with abundant lattice defects. The catalyst was characterized using XRD, TEM, HRTEM, EDS line and mapping scanning, XPS and H2-TPD, confirming the formation of Ni nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution of ~5 nm with numerous lattice defects. The hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin was employed to evaluate the catalyst’s activity, with investigations into the effects of Al content, solvents, temperature, H2 pressure, and reaction time. The reaction was successfully conducted at 363 K in water. The catalyst demonstrated excellent hydrodeoxygenation activity across a series of other aromatic aldehyde compounds. Cycle experiments confirmed the catalyst’s stability, maintaining its activity over at least five consecutive uses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Catalysis for Biomass Conversion and Valorisation)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2676 KB  
Article
Interlayer Immobilization of L-Proline in Mg–Al Layered Double Hydroxides for Efficient and Selective Aldol Condensation of Furfural with Ketones Under Mild Conditions
by Xuelai Zhao, Wuyu Wang, Zhenjing Jiang, Xinghua Zhang, Xiuzheng Zhuang, Qi Zhang and Longlong Ma
Catalysts 2026, 16(4), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16040312 - 1 Apr 2026
Viewed by 326
Abstract
The homogeneous nature of L-proline organocatalysts restricts their application in aldol condensation due to poor recyclability and stability. Herein, L-proline was heterogenized by ionic intercalation into Mg–Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs), yielding a series of proline-intercalated catalysts with tunable layer structures. Co-precipitation and [...] Read more.
The homogeneous nature of L-proline organocatalysts restricts their application in aldol condensation due to poor recyclability and stability. Herein, L-proline was heterogenized by ionic intercalation into Mg–Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs), yielding a series of proline-intercalated catalysts with tunable layer structures. Co-precipitation and memory-effect reconstruction strategies were employed to regulate interlayer spacing and proline loading. The resulting catalysts exhibited efficient performance in the aldol condensation of furfural with ketones under mild conditions. The reconstructed catalyst re-Mg4Al1P achieved a furfural conversion of 88.67% and a total product yield of 85.54% at room temperature, with product selectivity exceeding 95%. Structural characterizations confirmed that proline was stabilized within the LDH interlayers via R–COO—Mg electrostatic interaction while preserving the secondary amine active site. Mechanistic analysis indicated that the reaction proceeded through enamine- or enol-mediated pathways depending on water content, while the layered LDH framework imposed geometric confinement that suppressed side reactions. Catalyst deactivation in aqueous systems was mainly attributed to proline leaching rather than structural collapse. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Catalysis for Biomass Conversion and Valorisation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1312 KB  
Article
Temperature–Current Synergy in NiCo-Catalyzed Ethylene Glycol Oxidation
by Dehai Yu, Martí Molera and Teresa Andreu
Catalysts 2026, 16(3), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16030252 - 8 Mar 2026
Viewed by 893
Abstract
Ethylene glycol oxidation reaction (EGOR) is a promising anodic process to reduce the cell voltage compared with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Using ethylene glycol (EG) obtained from biomass-derived streams—such as cellulose, hemicellulose or lignocellulosic intermediates—and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste contributes to the [...] Read more.
Ethylene glycol oxidation reaction (EGOR) is a promising anodic process to reduce the cell voltage compared with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Using ethylene glycol (EG) obtained from biomass-derived streams—such as cellulose, hemicellulose or lignocellulosic intermediates—and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste contributes to the development of circular-economy models. This study investigates EGOR on a non-noble NiCo bimetallic electrode, focusing on the effects of temperature and current density. The presence of EG reduces the initial potential by 240 mV at 25 °C, with a further 60 mV decrease at elevated temperatures, while the catalyst maintains high formate selectivity (>65%) across the tested conditions. Faradaic efficiency peaks at 100 mA cm−2 due to the full oxidation of formate to CO2 or the competing OER at higher current densities. There are no significant discrepancies between simulated and experimental faradaic efficiencies, although the presence of terephthalic acid (TPA) affects the shift in the electrode potential. Overall, these results highlight the relevance of EGOR for future applications in which EG derived from recycled plastics and renewable biomass can be electrochemically valorized within integrated biorefinery frameworks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Catalysis for Biomass Conversion and Valorisation)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 1915 KB  
Article
Study of the Cathodic Catalytic Mechanisms of Microalgae-Based Microbial Fuel Cells
by Carolina Montoya-Vallejo, Juan Carlos Quintero Díaz and Francisco Jesús Fernández-Morales
Catalysts 2026, 16(2), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16020159 - 3 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1106
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are promising systems for wastewater treatment and electricity production; however, many technical and economic challenges must be overcome. One approach to improve MFC performance is the use of photosynthetic microorganisms at the cathode to supply oxygen and reduce aeration [...] Read more.
Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are promising systems for wastewater treatment and electricity production; however, many technical and economic challenges must be overcome. One approach to improve MFC performance is the use of photosynthetic microorganisms at the cathode to supply oxygen and reduce aeration requirements. In this work, Chlorella sorokiniana was used as a cathodic biocatalyst, in order to supply oxygen while simultaneously obtaining high-value products. At the anode, an anaerobic mixed microbial culture was used as a biocatalyst. Different cathodic configurations were studied to evaluate the different cathodic catalytic mechanisms. Electrochemical characterization through cyclic voltammetry, polarization curves, biochemical analysis and SEM images was performed. Superior performance was achieved when employing microalgae as the cathodic oxygen source compared to systems relying on external aeration (128.7 mA/m2 vs. 45.2 mA/m2). The addition of methylene blue and sodium bicarbonate improved the current density (194.8 mA/m2 and 128.7 mA/m2). Results indicate that microalgae in the cathodic chamber could enhance MFC electrochemical performance and biomass production, boosting sustainable energy generation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Catalysis for Biomass Conversion and Valorisation)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 1035 KB  
Article
Construction of Modified Silica Gel Catalysts and Their Enhancement of Fructose Dehydration for 5-HMF Production
by Liya Zheng, Yongshui Qu, Yibing Li, Yuanxin Cao, Quanyuan Wei and Ming Fang
Catalysts 2025, 15(12), 1160; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15121160 - 10 Dec 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 883
Abstract
To address the challenges of difficult recovery, significant environmental hazards associated with homogeneous catalysts, and insufficient catalytic activity of heterogeneous supports in the catalytic dehydration of fructose to produce 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), this study employs a straightforward nitric acid modification method to prepare an [...] Read more.
To address the challenges of difficult recovery, significant environmental hazards associated with homogeneous catalysts, and insufficient catalytic activity of heterogeneous supports in the catalytic dehydration of fructose to produce 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), this study employs a straightforward nitric acid modification method to prepare an acid-activated silica gel catalyst for application in this reaction system. Through systematic investigation of the influence of modification conditions on catalyst performance and economic benefits, optimal reaction conditions were determined: DMSO as the solvent, nitric acid-modified silica gel as the catalyst, a reaction temperature of 120 °C, a solid–liquid ratio of 1:30 (g∙mL−1), and a fructose-to-catalyst mass ratio of 1:1. Under these conditions, the maximum 5-HMF yield reached 91.6%. Characterization via specific surface area, pore size analysis, and acid/base site characterization (NH3-TPD) revealed that nitric acid modification preserved the silica gel’s pore structure. Through oxidative cleaning, etching to expose silanol groups, and inducing surface defects, this process significantly increased the number of acid sites on the silica gel surface, thereby enhancing catalytic activity. This study presents a low-cost, easily recoverable, and environmentally friendly heterogeneous catalytic strategy for the efficient conversion of fructose into 5-HMF. It also provides experimental guidance for the targeted functionalization of silica-based catalytic materials, holding significant implications for advancing the high-value utilization of biomass resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Catalysis for Biomass Conversion and Valorisation)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop