Molecular Insights into Photocatalytic Degradation and Biomass Valorization for Green Chemistry Applications
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 52
Special Issue Editor
Interests: photocatalysis and advanced oxidation processes; reactive oxygen species and radical chemistry; biomass valorization and lignin depolymerization; green chemistry for sustainable water treatment
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue focuses on the molecular mechanisms of photocatalytic processes for pollutant degradation and biomass valorization, framed within the principles of green chemistry. We welcome contributions that link photocatalyst structure (including defects, heterojunctions, dopants, plasmonic systems, and single atoms) to the generation, dynamics, and reactivity of reactive oxygen species and radical intermediates. Submissions addressing in operando/in situ characterization (e.g., EPR spectroscopy, transient absorption, fluorescence probes) to unravel mechanistic pathways are particularly encouraged. Beyond pollutant degradation, we also invite studies on biomass-derived feedstocks (e.g., lignin model compounds, natural polyphenols) where photocatalysis and advanced oxidation enable sustainable transformations into value-added products. Works that integrate kinetic modeling, structure–activity relationships, stability, by-product/toxicity assessment, and energy/lifecycle metrics are especially valuable. By bridging environmental remediation with renewable resource upgrading, this Special Issue seeks to highlight photocatalysis as a dual platform for clean water and circular bioeconomy solutions.
Suitable topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Design, synthesis, and modification of photocatalysts for pollutant degradation and biomass valorization;
- Molecular-level studies on reactive oxygen species and radical intermediates (•OH, •O2⁻, 1O2, HO2•);
- In operando and in situ spectroscopic approaches (e.g., EPR, transient absorption, fluorescence probes) for mechanism elucidation;
- Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs): photocatalysis, photo-Fenton, ozonation, and hybrid systems;
- Photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, endocrine disruptors, and other emerging contaminants;
- Valorization of lignin and other biomass-derived compounds through photocatalysis and oxidative pathways;
- Green chemistry approaches to pollutant removal and renewable feedstock upgrading;
- Reactor design, scale-up, and performance evaluation in real water matrices (greywater, wastewater, natural waters);
- Kinetic modeling, structure–activity relationships, and lifecycle/energy assessments of photocatalytic systems;
- Assessment of stability, by-products, and toxicity during photocatalytic and oxidative treatments.
Prof. Dr. David Contreras
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- photocatalysis
- advanced oxidation processes
- reactive oxygen species
- in operando spectroscopy
- biomass valorization
- lignin depolymerization
- green chemistry
- emerging contaminants
- structure–activity relationships
- water reuse and treatment
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