Design and Synthesis of Next-Generation Catalysts for Efficient Green Chemical Reactions

Dear Colleagues,

The development of efficient green chemical processes is essential for addressing the dual challenges of the global energy crisis and environmental sustainability. One particularly promising strategy involves coupling green hydrogen production with the selective hydrogenation of CO₂ to generate high-value-added chemicals. This approach not only mitigates carbon emissions but also enables the synthesis of fuels and feedstocks via renewable pathways. In this context, biomass electrooxidation offers a transformative route to enhance the energy efficiency of water electrolysis by replacing the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with value-generating oxidation reactions. This substitution can significantly lower the energy input required for hydrogen production, while simultaneously producing valuable chemicals. Notable examples include the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), glucose to glucaric acid and formic acid, glycerol to glyceric acid and formic acid, and cyclohexanol to adipic acid. Meanwhile, the availability of low-cost green hydrogen opens up efficient catalytic routes for CO₂ valorization through selective hydrogenation. Using advanced heterogeneous catalysts, CO₂ can be converted into carbon monoxide, methanol, higher alcohols, light olefins, gasoline, jet fuel, and aromatic hydrocarbons, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-derived pathways. This special issue aims to showcase recent advances in the design, synthesis, and mechanistic understanding of next-generation catalysts that enable these and other green transformations. We welcome contributions focused on catalytic innovations in biomass electrooxidation, CO₂ hydrogenation, and related processes that support the development of circular and low-carbon chemical technologies.

Prof. Dr. Ming Xu
Guest Editor

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