Sustainable Hydrogen: Catalytic Generation and Transformative Utilization in Chemical Synthesis and Energy Systems

Dear Colleagues,

The transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon future places hydrogen at the forefront as both a clean energy vector and a versatile chemical building block. This Special Issue seeks to highlight cutting-edge advances that bridge the gap between sustainable hydrogen production and its efficient, large-scale utilization across industrial sectors. We invite high-quality contributions that explore innovative catalytic materials, advanced reaction engineering strategies, and process intensification approaches in the following key areas:

1. Sustainable H₂ Generation

Electrolysis: Breakthroughs in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), including next-generation PEM, alkaline, and solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOECs), aimed at improving efficiency, durability, and scalability.

Reforming & Pyrolysis: Advanced pathways for hydrogen production, including steam methane reforming (SMR) and dry reforming of methane (DRM) integrated with CCUS (blue H₂), alongside methane pyrolysis (turquoise H₂) for simultaneous solid carbon valorization.

Photocatalysis/Photoelectrochemistry: Emerging strategies for direct solar-driven hydrogen production, enabling truly renewable and decentralized energy systems.

Chemical Hydrides: Novel materials and systems for safe, efficient, and on-demand hydrogen storage and release (NaBH₄ hydrolysis).

2. Transformative H₂ Utilization

Chemical Synthesis: Catalytic hydrogen-based routes for large-scale chemical manufacturing, including ammonia synthesis (Haber–Bosch process), methanol synthesis (CO₂/CO hydrogenation), and H₂O₂ production.

COₓ Valorization: Conversion of carbon oxides into value-added fuels and chemicals via processes such as Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and methanation (Sabatier reaction), supporting the development of sustainable e-fuels.

Industrial Upgrading: Deployment of clean hydrogen in industrial processes such as hydrodesulfurization (HDS), hydrotreating, and direct reduction of iron for green steel production.

Selective Hydrogenation: Precision applications of hydrogen in fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and the upgrading of biomass-derived intermediates.

We particularly encourage contributions that integrate fundamental insights with practical applications, paving the way toward scalable, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable hydrogen technologies. We look forward to your valuable contributions to this timely and impactful Special Issue.

Dr. Pradeep Kumar Yadav
Prof. Dr. Sergio Alberto Obregón Alfaro
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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