Mechanochemical Approaches for the Preparation of Catalysts: Toward Green Synthesis of (Nano) Materials and Chemicals

Dear Colleagues,

In order to ensure that our future is rooted in sustainability and circular economy principles, heterogeneous catalysis, particularly involving Single-Atom Catalysts (SACs) and Single-Cluster Catalysts (SCCs), stands out as a powerful tool. However, it proves insufficient alone. To minimize the production of waste, addressing solvent consumption is imperative, but this requires the reduction or elimination of solvent use wherever possible.

In this context, mechanochemical protocols, encompassing methods such as ball milling, extrusion, and resonant acoustic mixing, present a promising avenue for development. Mechanochemical approaches hold untapped potential in the synthesis of materials and chemicals. A captivating prospect lies in the mechanochemical synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts using active metals such as Ru, Pt, Pd, Fe, Cu, and Ni, among other transition metals, in single-atom or single-cluster configurations that are supported on carbonaceous materials, ideally derived from biomass. While recognizing the profound impact of mechanochemistry as a groundbreaking advancement in the realm of chemistry, it is clear that comprehensively understanding mechanochemical reactions during materials synthesis remains a critical challenge.

This Special Issue welcomes the submission of papers that feature novel research presenting mechanochemical approaches (such as ball-milling, extrusion, resonant acoustic mixing, etc.) for the synthesis of catalytic materials. Authors are required to emphasize the incorporation of most, if not all, fundamental principles of green chemistry; this includes the following: (i) prevention, (ii) optimized raw material utilization, (iii) improved waste management, (iv) energy efficiency, and (v) minimized solvent usage.

We also encourage the submission of review articles that spotlight the advancement of mechanochemical techniques in heterogeneous catalysis, particularly those exploring biomass valorization methods. Submissions that consider the principles of green chemistry, incorporating aspects of scale-up, energy efficiency, and equipment design, are particularly welcome.

Dr. Daily Rodríguez-Padrón
Guest Editor

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• green chemistry
• mechanochemistry
• extrusion
• biomass valorization
• heterogeneous catalysis
• green materials synthesis
• supported nanoparticles
• single-atom catalysts
• single-cluster catalysts