Catalysis for Sustainable Chemistry and Energy, 2nd Volume

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you, along with the members of your research group, to contribute to the forthcoming MDPI Topic, entitled “Catalysis for Sustainable Chemistry and Energy, 2nd Volume”. This Topic is a continuation of our previous successful publication, "Catalysis for Sustainable Chemistry and Energy".

This volume is related to the design and/or the development of catalysts which can minimize the adverse environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions, and avoid, simultaneously, the use and the generation of by-products with toxic and hazardous properties. Such aims can be achieved by means of tuning the chemical structure and composition of catalytic materials, which may also occur at an atomic and/or molecular scale, in a manner to enhance not only the reactants conversion but also their selectivity towards the desired products.

Papers and review papers dealing with all types of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, including organocatalysis, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, environmental catalysis, biocatalysis/enzymes and nanostructured catalysis to promote selective conversions, fall within the scope of this Topic Issue.

Novel reactor or photoreactor configurations, such as catalytic reactors that combine the reaction and separation steps, or design and/or development of (photo)reactors for process intensification, such as microreactors membrane-based reactors and reactors using structured catalysts, also fall within the scope of this publication.

Dr. Vincenzo Vaiano
Dr. Olga Sacco
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Catalysts catalysts	4.0	7.6	2011	16.6 Days	CHF 2200
Chemistry chemistry	2.4	3.9	2019	18.5 Days	CHF 1800
Energies energies	3.2	7.3	2008	16.2 Days	CHF 2600
Nanomaterials nanomaterials	4.3	9.2	2010	15.4 Days	CHF 2400
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	7.7	2009	19.3 Days	CHF 2400

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Open AccessArticle

A Molecular Modeling Study on the Propagation in Free Radical Chain Oxidation of (B)PEI

by Wim Buijs

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(4), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15040313 - 18 Feb 2025

Viewed by 950

Abstract

Air oxidation of PEI is a Free Radical Chain Autoxidation process, described as a process following the Basic Autoxidation Scheme with Initiation, Propagation and Termination as discriminating steps. Molecular Modeling was able to identify the most important propagation reactions. HO₂(d) is [...] Read more.

Air oxidation of PEI is a Free Radical Chain Autoxidation process, described as a process following the Basic Autoxidation Scheme with Initiation, Propagation and Termination as discriminating steps. Molecular Modeling was able to identify the most important propagation reactions. HO₂(d) is the most likely candidate as the main oxidation chain carrying radical. α-H-abstraction from PEI α-amino hydroperoxides by HO₂(d), leading to amide PEI repeat units and eventually to HO₂(d) again, is the first step in Propagation. Apart from well-know propagation reactions, the reaction of PEI α-amino CH(d) radicals with H₂O₂ is of major importance, too, with an estimated contribution of ~50% to Propagation. Furthermore, it provides an explanation for the formation of NH₃ and various imine PEI repeat units. PEI α-amino alkoxy radicals might contribute to some extent to Propagation and can lead to chain breaks in PEI and the formation of CO₂. Amide and imine PEI repeat units contribute to ~90% of the fully oxidized PEI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Catalysis for Sustainable Chemistry and Energy, 2nd Volume)

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13 pages, 1448 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Alkali-Boosted Catalytic Activity of Co-Based Catalysts Supported by Nanoporous Carbon in the Hydrodeoxygenation of Guaiacol

by Juan Matos, Diana Samudio-González, Elodie Blanco, Po S. Poon and Néstor Escalona

Catalysts 2025, 15(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15010017 - 28 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1016

Abstract

The catalytic activity and selectivity of Co-based catalysts supported on home-made nanoporous carbon was studied as a function of the type of alkali promoter (Ca and Mg). The catalysts were characterized by N₂ adsorption/desorption isotherms, temperature-programmed reduction, CO chemisorption, and X-ray diffraction [...] Read more.

The catalytic activity and selectivity of Co-based catalysts supported on home-made nanoporous carbon was studied as a function of the type of alkali promoter (Ca and Mg). The catalysts were characterized by N₂ adsorption/desorption isotherms, temperature-programmed reduction, CO chemisorption, and X-ray diffraction patterns. The catalysts were compared against carbon-supported alkali-promoted Ni-based catalysts and Re-containing catalysts. The catalytic activity of the Co-based catalyst was clearly enhanced in the presence of Ca and Mg, and it was higher than the Ni-based catalysts and comparable to that obtained using an ReC catalyst. The initial activity of the Mg-promoted catalyst increased by a factor of up to 2.5 times higher compared to the non-promoted catalyst. Moreover, this catalyst showed a turnover frequency of up to 5 times higher than equivalent carbon-supported Re-based catalysts. Significant changes were not observed in the selectivity of products after the incorporation of alkali, with cyclohexane being the main product. However, it was demonstrated that the presence of alkali led to a faster and higher production of cyclohexane from the demethoxylation of phenol and the dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol. The present results suggest that Co-based catalysts are an economical alternative for the catalytic conversion of representative target molecules from bio-oil feed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Catalysis for Sustainable Chemistry and Energy, 2nd Volume)

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29 pages, 10851 KB  

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Small Molecules Effective for Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Furfural and Its Derivatives

by Ivana Vojtová, Petr Leinweber and Tomáš Weidlich

Catalysts 2024, 14(11), 791; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14110791 - 6 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2375

Abstract

This review summarizes recent applications of small organic and inorganic molecules as catalysts or solvents (chemical hands and scissors) in the production of furfural (FA), 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF), and 5-(chloromethyl)furfural (CMF). The possible transformation of lignocellulosic biomass into a one-pot configuration and two-step technique [...] Read more.

This review summarizes recent applications of small organic and inorganic molecules as catalysts or solvents (chemical hands and scissors) in the production of furfural (FA), 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF), and 5-(chloromethyl)furfural (CMF). The possible transformation of lignocellulosic biomass into a one-pot configuration and two-step technique based on the preliminary separation of hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose with the subsequent hydrolysis of separated polysaccharides is compared and discussed. Interestingly, these rather simple and cheap molecules are catalytically active and enable a high rate of conversion of polysaccharides into furfural and its derivatives. Usually, elevated pressure and reaction temperatures above 150 °C are necessary for effective hydrolysis and dehydration of in situ formed monosaccharides; nevertheless, ionic liquids or deep eutectic solvents enable a significant decrease in the reaction temperature and performance of the discussed process at ambient pressure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Catalysis for Sustainable Chemistry and Energy, 2nd Volume)

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19 pages, 15578 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Incorporating C₃N₅ and NiCo₂S₄ to Form a Novel Z-Scheme Heterojunction for Superior Photocatalytic Degradation of Norfloxacin

by Sahil Rana, Amit Kumar, Tongtong Wang, Pooja Dhiman, Gaurav Sharma and Hui Shi

Chemistry 2024, 6(5), 962-980; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemistry6050056 - 10 Sep 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1788

Abstract

Due to a combination of increased urbanization, industrialization, and population growth, many pharmaceutical pollutants are currently being discharged into the environment. A possible strategy is critical for eliminating antibiotic pollutants from the environment, and photocatalysis has been generally recognized as an excellent method [...] Read more.

Due to a combination of increased urbanization, industrialization, and population growth, many pharmaceutical pollutants are currently being discharged into the environment. A possible strategy is critical for eliminating antibiotic pollutants from the environment, and photocatalysis has been generally recognized as an excellent method for successfully degrading antibiotics at a faster pace. In this work, we employed a hydrothermal synthesis approach to create a novel C₃N₅/NiCo₂S₄ Z-scheme-based heterojunction with better interfacial charge transfer and used it as a catalyst for the degradation of norfloxacin antibiotic. The optimized 1:1 C₃N₅/NiCo₂S₄ (50CN/NCS) shows the highest photocatalytic efficiency of 86.5% in 120 min towards the degradation of norfloxacin (NOR). Such an effective performance can be attributed to the high responsive nature of photocatalyst in the visible region and superior transfer of interfacial charges via Z-scheme transfer in heterojunction. The high charge transfer efficiency and reduced recombination of charge carriers in heterojunction was confirmed by EIS and PL results. The influence of some key factors such as pollutant concentration, catalyst dosage, pH, and coexisting ions on the photocatalytic activity is also investigated in this work. The optimized heterojunction 50CN/NCS also degraded 89.1%, 78.3%, and 93.2% removal of the other pollutants CIP, SDZ, and BPA, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Catalysis for Sustainable Chemistry and Energy, 2nd Volume)

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15 pages, 1246 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Biodiesel Production from Waste Frying Oil (WFO) Using a Biomass Ash-Based Catalyst

by Benjamín Nahuelcura, María Eugenia González, Nicolas Gutierrez, Jaime Ñanculeo and Juan Miguel Romero-García

Catalysts 2024, 14(8), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14080553 - 22 Aug 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2401

Abstract

Biodiesel, an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels, offers reduced emissions like carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and soot. This study explores biodiesel production from a blend of waste oils using a novel biomass-based catalyst derived from the bottom ash of a biomass boiler. [...] Read more.

Biodiesel, an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels, offers reduced emissions like carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and soot. This study explores biodiesel production from a blend of waste oils using a novel biomass-based catalyst derived from the bottom ash of a biomass boiler. Catalyst synthesis involved wet impregnation, a unique approach using previously unreported bottom ash. Characterization via SEM-EDS, BET, FTIR, and XRD revealed its composition and structure. Optimization of biodiesel production involved assessing alcohol molar ratio, catalyst concentration, and reaction time, achieving a maximum FAME concentration of 95% under specific conditions. Blending residual palm oil with waste frying oil enhanced biodiesel properties, demonstrating a maximum FAME concentration at specific catalyst concentration (8%), molar ratio (1:10), and reaction time (2 h). Catalyst reusability, up to three cycles without significant yield variation, showcased its sustainability. The catalyst, primarily composed of calcium, a characteristic biomass bottom ash component, exhibited mesoporous features. Impregnation with eggshells not only altered composition but also ensured a uniform particle size distribution. FTIR and XRD analyses indicated calcium in hydroxide and crystallized forms. Effective catalyst separation methods included decanting or water washing, with optimal biodiesel purity achieved through 3% phosphoric acid washing at 60 °C. Various recovery methods were assessed, highlighting hexane washing as the most efficient, enabling up to three catalyst reuse cycles without substantial efficiency loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Catalysis for Sustainable Chemistry and Energy, 2nd Volume)

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13 pages, 3139 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Application of Platinum Nanoparticles Decorating Mesoporous Carbon Derived from Sustainable Source for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

by Erik Biehler, Qui Quach and Tarek M. Abdel-Fattah

Catalysts 2024, 14(7), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14070423 - 2 Jul 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2508

Abstract

The perpetually fluctuating economic and environmental climate significantly increases the demand for alternative fuel sources. The utilization of hydrogen gas is a viable option for such a fuel source. Hydrogen is one of the most energy-dense known substances; however, it is unfortunately also [...] Read more.

The perpetually fluctuating economic and environmental climate significantly increases the demand for alternative fuel sources. The utilization of hydrogen gas is a viable option for such a fuel source. Hydrogen is one of the most energy-dense known substances; however, it is unfortunately also highly volatile, especially in the diatomic gaseous state most commonly used to store it. The utilization of a hydrogen feedstock material such as sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) may prove to mitigate this danger. When NaBH₄ reacts with water, hydrogen stored within its chemical structure is released. However, the rate of hydrogen release is slow and thus necessitates a catalyst. Platinum nanoparticles were chosen to act as a catalyst for the reaction, and to prevent them from conglomerating, they were embedded in a backbone of mesoporous carbon material (MCM) derived from a sustainable corn starch source. The nanocomposite (Pt-MCM) was characterized via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Pt-MCM underwent catalytic testing, revealing that the catalytic activity of the Pt-MCM composite catalysts increased with increasing quantities of sodium borohydride, lower pH levels, and higher temperatures. The activation energy of the catalyzed reaction was found to be 37.7 kJ mol⁻¹. Reusability experiments showed an initial drop off in hydrogen production after the first trial but subsequent stability. This Pt-MCM catalyst’s competitive activation energy and sustainable MCM backbone derived from readily available corn starch make it a promising option for optimizing the hydrogen generation reaction of NaBH₄. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Catalysis for Sustainable Chemistry and Energy, 2nd Volume)

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17 pages, 5727 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Highly Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalysis of Rose Bengal Dye and Hydrogen Production Using Ag@Cu/TiO₂ Ternary Nanocomposites

by Satish Yadav, Asim Jilani, Sarika Sachan, Pramod Kumar, Sajid Ali Ansari, Muhammad Afzal and Mohammad Omaish Ansari

Chemistry 2024, 6(3), 489-505; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemistry6030028 - 20 Jun 2024

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2087

Abstract

In this work, an Ag@Cu/TiO₂ ternary nanocomposite was synthesized by a simple chemical methodology and subsequently studied for the photocatalytic degradation of rose bengal (RB) dye under visible light as well as its hydrogen production. The shape, size and topographical analysis by [...] Read more.

In this work, an Ag@Cu/TiO₂ ternary nanocomposite was synthesized by a simple chemical methodology and subsequently studied for the photocatalytic degradation of rose bengal (RB) dye under visible light as well as its hydrogen production. The shape, size and topographical analysis by scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that all the constituents are well intercalated and are in the nano range. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis of the Ag@Cu/TiO₂ showed the presence of Ti, O, Cu and Ag and the absence of any other impurities, while the mapping analysis showed their uniform distribution. The X-ray photon spectroscopy also showed successful interaction between the components. Furthermore, the changes in the chemical state of Ti2p were examined. The band gap of Ag@Cu/TiO₂ using the Tauc plot relations was found to be the lowest at 2.86 eV in comparison to pure TiO₂ (3.28 eV), binary Ag/TiO₂ (3.13 eV) and Cu/TiO₂ (3.00 eV). The Ag@Cu/TiO₂ displayed the lowest photoluminescence intensity, suggesting the highest degradation efficiency and lowest recombination rate. The application of Ag@Cu/TiO₂ toward the photocatalytic degradation of RB dye exhibited a degradation rate of ~81.07%, which exceeds the efficiency of pure TiO₂ by 3.31 times. Apart from this, the hydrogen production of Ag@Cu/TiO₂ was found to be 17.1 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹, suggesting that copper and silver synergistically contributed, thereby resulting in the increased hydrogen production of pure TiO₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Catalysis for Sustainable Chemistry and Energy, 2nd Volume)

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20 pages, 3750 KB  

Open AccessReview

Performance of Ni-Based Catalysts with La Promoter for the Reforming of Methane in Gasification Process

by Meng Chen and Lei Wang

Catalysts 2024, 14(6), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14060355 - 30 May 2024

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3234

Abstract

The deactivation of active sites caused by high-temperature sintering and the deposition of a large amount of carbon are the main difficulties in the reforming of methane using Ni-based catalysts. La, as a promoter, has an ameliorating effect on the defects of Ni-based [...] Read more.

The deactivation of active sites caused by high-temperature sintering and the deposition of a large amount of carbon are the main difficulties in the reforming of methane using Ni-based catalysts. La, as a promoter, has an ameliorating effect on the defects of Ni-based catalysts. In this article, the mechanism of action of Ni-based catalysts with the introduction of the rare-earth metal additive La was reviewed, and the effects of La on the methane-reforming performance of Ni-based catalysts were examined. The physical properties, alkalinity, and activity of Ni-based catalysts can be enhanced by the use of the auxiliary agent La, which promotes the conversion of CH₄ and CO₂ as well as the selectivity towards H₂ and CO formation in the reforming of methane. The reason why the Ni-based catalysts could maintain long-term stability in the presence of La was discussed. Furthermore, the current state of research on the introduction of different amounts of La in the reforming of methane at home and abroad was analyzed. It was found that 2–5 wt.% La is the most optimal quantity for improving the catalyst activity and stability, as well as the CO₂ chemisorption. The limitations and directions for future research in the reforming of methane were discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Catalysis for Sustainable Chemistry and Energy, 2nd Volume)

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12 pages, 2824 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Photoelectrocatalytic Reduction of Cr(VI) in Wastewater with a CuBi₂O₄ Thin Film Photocathode

by Sai An, Ying Wang, Huajian Qiao, Hao Xiu, Deyu Liu and Yongbo Kuang

Catalysts 2024, 14(5), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14050289 - 25 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1899

Abstract

Photoelectrocatalytic approaches show promise for contaminate removal in wastewater through redox reactions. However, the direct treatment of very low concentration heavy metals is a challenging task. Copper bismuth oxide is considered as a potential photocathode material due to its appropriate bandgap width and [...] Read more.

Photoelectrocatalytic approaches show promise for contaminate removal in wastewater through redox reactions. However, the direct treatment of very low concentration heavy metals is a challenging task. Copper bismuth oxide is considered as a potential photocathode material due to its appropriate bandgap width and excellent light absorption properties. In this work, we utilize copper bismuth oxide photoelectrodes with micrometer-scale pores to achieve the efficient and complete reduction of micromolar-level hexavalent chromium(VI) in wastewater. In a continuous 180 min experiment, the reduction rate of 5 µM hexavalent chromium reached 97%, which is an order lower than the drinking standard. Such a process was facilitated by the unique hierarchical microstructure of the oxide thin film and the porous morphology. On the other hand, the structural evolution during the operation was analyzed. A surface passivation was observed, suggesting the possible long-term practical application of this material. This study serves as an important reference for the application of photoelectrocatalysis in addressing Cr(VI) pollution in wastewater, with implications for improving water quality and environmental protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Catalysis for Sustainable Chemistry and Energy, 2nd Volume)

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16 pages, 5884 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Pt-Co Nano-Catalyzed Membranes for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Applications

by Sethu Sundar Pethaiah, Arunkumar Jayakumar and Kalyani Palanichamy

Energies 2023, 16(23), 7713; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16237713 - 22 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2053

Abstract

The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) encompassing the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and catalyst layers are the key components in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). The cost of the PEMFC stacks has been limiting its commercialization due to the inflated price of conventional [...] Read more.

The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) encompassing the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and catalyst layers are the key components in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). The cost of the PEMFC stacks has been limiting its commercialization due to the inflated price of conventional platinum (Pt)-based catalysts. As a consequence, the authors of this paper focus on developing novel bi-metallic (Pt-Co) nano-alloy-catalyzed MEAs using the non-equilibrium impregnation–reduction (NEIR) approach with an aim to reduce the Pt content, and hence, the cost. Herein, the MEAs are fabricated on a Nafion^® membrane with a 0.4 mg_Ptcm⁻² Pt:Co electrocatalyst loading at three atomic ratios, viz., 90:10, 70:30, and 50:50. The High Resolution-Scanning Electron Microscopic (HR-SEM) characterization of the MEAs show a favorable surface morphology with a uniform distribution of Pt-Co alloy particles with an average size of about 15–25 µm. Under standard fuel cell test conditions, an MEA with a 50:50 atomic ratio of Pt:Co exhibited a peak power density of 0.879 Wcm⁻² for H₂/O₂ and 0.727 Wcm⁻² for H₂/air systems. The X-ray diffractometry (XRD), SEM, EDX, Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), impedance, and polarization studies validate that Pt:Co can be a potential affordable alternative to high-cost Pt. Additionally, a high degree of stability in the fuel cell performance was also demonstrated with Pt₅₀:Co₅₀. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Catalysis for Sustainable Chemistry and Energy, 2nd Volume)

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