Catalysts, Photocatalysts, and Electrocatalysts for CO2 Utilization and H2 Production
A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 January 2026 | Viewed by 56
Special Issue Editor
Interests: application and development of catalyst and photocatalyst; air quality and water quality assessment; control and measurement of nanoparticle and surface studies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
As the global community races toward a net-zero carbon future, the quest for sustainable energy solutions has never been more urgent. Central to this transition are catalysts, photocatalysts, and electrocatalysts—innovative materials driving breakthroughs in carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion and hydrogen (H2) production. These next-generation technologies lie at the heart of clean energy, enabling us to capture carbon, produce green fuels, and store hydrogen safely and efficiently. Catalysts are the workhorses of chemical transformation, accelerating CO2 hydrogenation into methane, methanol, or other valuable chemicals, turning waste into wealth. From nanostructured metals to advanced metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), today's catalysts are tailored for high selectivity, low energy demand, and industrial-scale potential. Photocatalysts harness sunlight to split water for H2 or reduce CO2 into carbon-based fuels, mimicking natural photosynthesis. Titanium dioxide (TiO2), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), and hybrid semiconductor materials are paving the way for solar-to-fuel systems that turn sunlight and air into energy. Electrocatalysts are also powering a revolution in clean fuel synthesis and storage. Through electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR) and water electrolysis, these materials enable carbon-neutral fuel cycles. With advances in nanostructured metals (e.g., Cu, Ni, Co) and single-atom catalysts, electrocatalysis now offers high-efficiency, modular solutions for decentralized energy storage. These technologies don’t just mitigate emissions—they close the carbon loop and open the door to a renewable, hydrogen-based economy. Whether for carbon capture, fuel synthesis, or long-term energy storage, catalytic systems are the cornerstone of circular chemistry and sustainable power. This will always enable innovations that turn today’s emissions into tomorrow’s energy. With advanced catalysts, the air we breathe becomes the fuel we need.
Prof. Dr. Chang-Tang Chang
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- catalysts
- CO2 Conversion
- H2 Production
- net-zero emission
- circular economy
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