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Green Catalysis in Nanomaterials—Photocatalysis and Electrocatalysis

A topical collection in Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This collection belongs to the section "Energy and Catalysis".

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Editors


E-Mail Website
Collection Editor
College of Flexible Electronics, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, China
Interests: 2D energy materials for hydrogen evolution
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Collection Editor
College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China
Interests: heavy metal removal; wastewater treatment; resource recovery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

Energy shortage and environmental pollution have become two serious problems in the process of sustainable development. Developing green catalysis in nanomaterials with distinctive properties is an effective method for relieving the environmental pressure. This Topical Collection aims to cover the following topics: (1) development of new methods for the synthesis of functional inorganic and inorganic–organic nanomaterials with novel structures; (2) development of advanced novel functional materials such as low-dimensional hybrid and/or multi-junction assemblies for utilizing renewable energy resources, energy conversion, and hydrogen and green fuel production; and (3) catalytic remediation of pollutants in wastewater using advanced oxidation processes (e.g., photocatalysis, photo-electrocatalysis, sonocatalysis, and electrocatalysis) and heterogeneous catalysis strategies.

This Topical Collection of Nanomaterials aims to present the current state of the art regarding green catalysis in nanomaterials (photocatalysis and electrocatalysis). We invite relevant contributions from leading groups in this field with the aim of providing a balanced view of the current state of the art in this discipline.

We look forwrad to your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Longlu Wang
Prof. Dr. Chengbin Liu
Collection 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. 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 collection 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. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2400 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

  • nanomaterials
  • photocatalysis
  • electrocatalysis
  • energy conversion
  • advanced oxidation processes

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

2026

Jump to: 2025

12 pages, 5924 KB  
Article
Ni-Modified Defect-Engineered NH2-UiO-66 for Efficient H2O2 Photosynthesis Coupled with Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation
by Yuan Chang, Zhenzi Li, Xuepeng Wang, Shuhua Liu, Bo Wang, Lijun Liao and Wei Zhou
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(10), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16100626 - 19 May 2026
Viewed by 253
Abstract
Photocatalytic H2O2 production coupled with selective organic oxidation provides a promising strategy for simultaneously generating value-added oxidants and chemicals under mild conditions. Herein, Ni-modified defect-engineered NH2-UiO-66 photocatalysts (Ni/UN) are constructed by introducing Ni species into a vacuum-treated NH [...] Read more.
Photocatalytic H2O2 production coupled with selective organic oxidation provides a promising strategy for simultaneously generating value-added oxidants and chemicals under mild conditions. Herein, Ni-modified defect-engineered NH2-UiO-66 photocatalysts (Ni/UN) are constructed by introducing Ni species into a vacuum-treated NH2-UiO-66 framework (UN). Compared with the original NH2-UiO-66 and the defect-treated UN, Ni/UN exhibits weakened photoluminescence emission, enhanced transient photocurrent response, and reduced electrochemical impedance, indicating that the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers have been improved. The band structure analysis further reveals that Ni/UN has a narrow band gap of approximately 2.52 electron volts and a slightly more negative conduction band position (−0.50 V), which is conducive to the photoinduced reduction reaction. The importance of O2 in the photocatalytic process was demonstrated by changing the atmospheric conditions. Therefore, in the benzylalcohol system, under the oxygen atmosphere, Ni/UN achieved the highest H2O2 production rate of 3257 μmol g−1 h−1, accompanied by the continuous generation of benzaldehyde, with its content reaching 3420 μmol g−1 after 60 min of irradiation. The scavenger experiment further indicates that photogenerated electrons and the active substances derived from oxygen are closely involved in the formation of H2O2, while the ·OH-related processes only play a limited contribution role. This study demonstrates an effective strategy for enhancing the performance of metal–organic framework (MOF)-based photocatalysts through defect engineering and metal coordination regulation, thereby achieving efficient photochemical production of hydrogen peroxide and the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol. Full article
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20 pages, 32463 KB  
Review
Advanced Development of Diverse Photovoltaic-Driven Water Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production: A Review on Coupling Mechanisms, Technological Evolution and Economic Analysis
by Yifei Yu, Suni Shi, Zhiyi Peng, Longlu Wang, Shiyan Wang and Chengbin Liu
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(10), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16100579 - 8 May 2026
Viewed by 910
Abstract
In the context of global carbon neutrality, photovoltaic (PV)-coupled water electrolysis has emerged as a pivotal technological route for large-scale green hydrogen production. This review systematically explores the integration of diverse PV technologies (e.g., crystalline silicon, perovskite tandems, and concentrated PV) with various [...] Read more.
In the context of global carbon neutrality, photovoltaic (PV)-coupled water electrolysis has emerged as a pivotal technological route for large-scale green hydrogen production. This review systematically explores the integration of diverse PV technologies (e.g., crystalline silicon, perovskite tandems, and concentrated PV) with various electrolysis systems (such as AEL, PEMEL, and AEMEL). We analyze the coupling mechanisms across light–electricity–hydrogen multi-energy fields from three dimensions: PV spectral response matching, electrolyzer kinetic adaptation, and innovative system topologies. Furthermore, this paper highlights critical scientific challenges, including the mismatch between fluctuating PV output and steady-state electrolysis, lifecycle stability under extreme conditions, and the optimization of high-cost catalysts. By incorporating cutting-edge approaches like AI-driven predictions, digital twins, and photothermal synergies, we outline future trajectories for enhancing system efficiency and economic viability. Ultimately, this review provides theoretical guidance to advance the commercialization of diverse, stable, and low-cost PV-driven green hydrogen production systems. Full article
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2025

Jump to: 2026

34 pages, 21175 KB  
Review
Critical Progress of Mn, Cu, Co, and V-MOFs and Their Derivatives as Promising Electrodes for Aqueous Zn-Ion Batteries
by Ramanadha Mangiri and Joonho Bae
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16010033 - 25 Dec 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1059
Abstract
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as versatile precursors and templates for developing high-performance electrode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), owing to their adjustable porosity, abundant metal-coordination sites, and structural flexibility. Among the diverse array of MOFs investigated, those based on manganese, copper, [...] Read more.
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as versatile precursors and templates for developing high-performance electrode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), owing to their adjustable porosity, abundant metal-coordination sites, and structural flexibility. Among the diverse array of MOFs investigated, those based on manganese, copper, and cobalt, as well as their derivatives, have shown exceptional potential, exhibiting enhanced redox activity, structural integrity, and advantageous zinc-ion storage kinetics compared with many other MOF systems. This study emphasizes the synthesis methodologies, structural characteristics, and electrochemical benefits of these three significant MOF families. After a succinct overview of MOF chemistry, synthesis methodologies, and fundamental design principles for ZIB electrode materials, the article presents a systematic, comparative evaluation of Mn-MOFs, Cu-MOFs, Co-MOFs and V-MOFs, along with their corresponding metal oxides, sulfides, phosphates, carbon composites, and multidimensional hybrid structures. Recent publications for each MOF type are detailed in separate tables, including synthesis methods, morphological development, electrochemical behavior, and performance metrics. The discourse highlights the distinct properties of each metal center, Mn’s multivalent redox chemistry, Cu’s superior electron transport and coordination adaptability, and Co’s elevated activity and stable structures, which together facilitate improved ion diffusion, substantial reversible capacity, and prolonged cycling durability. Ultimately, existing obstacles and potential research avenues are delineated to advance MOF-based materials for next-generation aqueous ZIB systems. Full article
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32 pages, 10206 KB  
Article
Construction and Performance Characterization of BiTmFeSbO7/BiTmO3 Heterojunction Photocatalyst and the Photocatalytic Degradation of Sulfathiazole Under Visible Light Irradiation
by Jingfei Luan, Xiqi Gou, Ye Yao, Liang Hao and Minghe Ma
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(23), 1756; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15231756 - 23 Nov 2025
Viewed by 719
Abstract
In this study, a novel photocatalytic nanomaterial BiTmFeSbO7 was successfully synthesized for the first time by using the solvothermal method. On account of the effective Z-scheme mechanism, the BiTmFeSbO7/BiTmO3 heterojunction photocatalyst (BTBTHP) could effectively separate the photoinduced electrons and [...] Read more.
In this study, a novel photocatalytic nanomaterial BiTmFeSbO7 was successfully synthesized for the first time by using the solvothermal method. On account of the effective Z-scheme mechanism, the BiTmFeSbO7/BiTmO3 heterojunction photocatalyst (BTBTHP) could effectively separate the photoinduced electrons and the photoinduced holes, concurrently, the high oxidation potential and reduction potential of the BiTmFeSbO7 and the BiTmO3 were retained. Additionally, a Z-scheme BTBTHP was synthesized by using an ultrasound-assisted solvothermal approach. As a result, the BTBTHP exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance during the degradation process of the sulfathiazole (STZ). The morphological features, composition distribution, photochemistry properties and photoelectric properties of the prepared samples were investigated by using the comprehensive characterization techniques. Under the condition of visible light irradiation, the BTBTHP demonstrated an excellent removal efficiency of 99.50% for degrading the STZ. Contrastive analysis results indicated that the removal efficiency of the STZ by using the BTBTHP was substantially higher than that by using the BiTmFeSbO7, the BiTmO3, and the N-doped TiO2. The removal rate of the STZ by using the BTBTHP was 1.14 times that by using the BiTmFeSbO7, 1.28 times that by using the BiTmO3, and 2.71 times that by using the N-doped TiO2. Moreover, the stability and the reusability of the BTBTHP were verified through five successive photocatalytic cyclic degradation experiments, indicating that the BTBTHP owned potential for the practical application. The active species which was produced by the BTBTHP were identified as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide anions (•O2), and photoinduced holes (h+) by capturing radicals experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance testing experiments. Therefore, the degradation mechanism and the pathway of the STZ could be more comprehensively elucidated. In summary, this study lays a solid foundation for the development and further research of high efficient Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts and offers novel insights into sustainable remediation strategies for the STZ pollution. Full article
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