Structural Regulation and Performance Assessment of Nanocatalysts

Dear Colleagues,

Nanocatalysts, materials with at least one dimension in the nanoscale range (1-100 nm), have revolutionized various fields, including catalysis, energy storage, and environmental remediation. Their unique properties, such as high surface area, quantum size effects, and tunable electronic structures, make them highly efficient catalysts for a wide range of reactions.

The field of nanocatalysis has witnessed significant advancements over the past few decades. Early research focused on synthesizing nanomaterials with controlled size, shape, and composition. More recent studies have delved into understanding the structure-property-performance relationships of nanocatalysts, aiming to design highly active and selective catalysts for specific applications.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest advancements in the structural regulation and performance assessment of nanocatalysts. It will cover a broad range of topics, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Synthesis and Characterization: Novel synthesis strategies for nanocatalysts with precise control over size, shape, composition, and surface properties. Advanced characterization techniques to probe the structure and properties of nanocatalysts at the atomic and molecular levels.
• Structure-Property Relationships: The correlation between the structural features of nanocatalysts (e.g., size, shape, composition, defects, and surface chemistry) and their catalytic performance.
• Performance Assessment: Development of advanced techniques for evaluating the catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability of nanocatalysts under various reaction conditions.
• Theoretical Modeling: Computational modeling and simulations to gain insights into the reaction mechanisms and to predict the performance of nanocatalysts.
• Applications: The application of nanocatalysts in various fields, such as energy conversion, environmental remediation, fine chemical synthesis, and materials science. 

The field of nanocatalysis is continually evolving, with cutting-edge research focused on the following areas:

• Single-Atom Catalysts: Developing highly active and selective catalysts by anchoring single metal atoms on support materials.
• Nanoporous Materials: Utilizing nanoporous materials as supports for nanocatalysts to enhance mass transport and catalytic performance.  
• Operando Characterization: Employing advanced in situ and operando techniques to study the dynamic behavior of nanocatalysts under reaction conditions.
• Machine Learning: Leveraging machine learning algorithms to accelerate the discovery and optimization of nanocatalysts.  
• Green and Sustainable Catalysis: Developing environmentally friendly and sustainable nanocatalysts for various applications.

We invite original research articles, review articles, and communications that contribute to the advancement of nanocatalysis. Potential topics include the following:

• Synthesis and Characterization: Novel synthesis methods, advanced characterization techniques, and in-depth studies of nanocatalyst structures.
• Mechanistic Insights: Unraveling the reaction mechanisms of catalytic processes using experimental and theoretical methods.
• Performance Optimization: Strategies for improving the catalytic performance of nanocatalysts, such as through doping, alloying, or surface modification.  
• Applications: Real-world applications of nanocatalysts in the energy, environment, and chemical industries.
• Theoretical Modeling: Computational studies to predict catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability.

We encourage submissions that present high-quality research with significant implications for the field of nanocatalysis.

Dr. Jing-He Yang
Guest Editor

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. 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.

• nanocatalysts
• catalysis
• nanotechnology
• materials science
• structure-property relationship
• performance assessment
• single-atom catalysts
• nanoporous materials
• operando characterization
• machine learning
• green chemistry
• sustainable catalysis
• environmental catalysis
• energy catalysis
• electrocatalysis