Green and Sustainable Catalytic Process

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Catalysis as a discipline plays a decisive role in chemical process industries as catalytic reactions are central to the production of fuels and chemicals. Environmentally friendly catalysts with higher activity, selectivity, efficiency, and durability are continuously being developed, making chemical processes greener and more sustainable.

This Topic, “Green and Sustainable Catalytic Process”, focuses not only on catalyst preparation, characterization, and fundamental studies in the field of catalysis but also covers innovations in the field and potential industrial implementations. This Topic pertains (but is not limited) to the following:

• Biomass valorization;
• Waste valorization (e.g., CO₂, municipal and industrial waste);
• Catalyst preparation and valorization;
• Catalyst recycling;
• Catalytic reactions in nonconventional solvents (e.g., ionic liquids, supercritical solvents);
• Heterogeneous, homogeneous, enzymatic, and organocatalysis;
• Photo- and electrocatalysis;
• One-pot and tandem reactions;
• Alternative solvents;
• Process intensification (e.g., ultrasound, microwaves, plasma);
• The chemical reaction engineering of sustainable and green processes;
• Kinetic modeling;
• Reactor design;
• Technological advancements;
• Catalysis for renewable energy
• Lifecycle assessment and techno-economic analysis;
• Sustainable chemical products and fuels.

Prof. Dr. Dmitry Yu. Murzin
Dr. Nataliya D. Shcherban
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Catalysts catalysts	4.5	8.3	2011	13.3 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
ChemEngineering ChemEngineering	3.7	6.0	2017	28.3 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Chemistry chemistry	2.6	4.4	2019	13 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Processes processes	3.4	5.7	2013	14.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Reactions reactions	4.0	4.4	2020	19.2 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	4.1	8.9	2009	16.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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All Catalysts ChemEngineering Chemistry Processes Reactions Sustainability

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20 pages, 2601 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Polymerization of 1,3-Propanediol to Poly(trimethylene ether) Glycol: Process Optimization Under Sulfuric Acid Catalysis and Performance of p-Toluenesulfonic Acid

by Yisong Ni, Yu Jiang, Yuan Zong and Sixian Zheng

Processes 2026, 14(11), 1738; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14111738 - 26 May 2026

Viewed by 397

Abstract

Poly(trimethylene ether) glycol (PO3G), a bio-based polyether polyol with excellent flexibility and superior hydrolytic stability, has emerged as a critical raw material for the preparation of high-performance polymer materials. This work optimized the sulfuric acid-catalyzed polymerization process and assessed the feasibility of using [...] Read more.

Poly(trimethylene ether) glycol (PO3G), a bio-based polyether polyol with excellent flexibility and superior hydrolytic stability, has emerged as a critical raw material for the preparation of high-performance polymer materials. This work optimized the sulfuric acid-catalyzed polymerization process and assessed the feasibility of using p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) as an alternative catalyst. A parametric study was conducted to establish a reliable operating window for the sulfuric acid system. DFT calculations demonstrated that the driving force for chain growth decreases with increasing chain length, that recombination between chains of significantly different lengths is more favorable than between chains of equal length, and that the formation of disulfate esters is thermodynamically more favorable. Although PTSA required a higher catalyst loading, the resulting polymer had a markedly lower yellowness index. Prolonged reaction times lead to a molecular weight plateau, especially at high PTSA concentrations, while the yellowness index continues to increase after reaching the plateau. ¹H NMR analysis indicated the formation of benzenesulfonate monoester intermediates during PTSA catalysis, suggesting a potentially milder pathway and possibly fewer side reactions compared to the sulfuric acid system. This paper provides theoretical and experimental foundations for the green, efficient synthesis of PO3G and the catalyst optimization for analogous bio-based polyether polyols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Green and Sustainable Catalytic Process)

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15 pages, 3001 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Partial Co and Fe Substitution on LaFeO₃@C, LaCoO₃@C Catalysts in the Oxidation of Furfural

by Diego Diaz, Dana Arias, Jorge Noé Díaz de León, Ana Belén Dongil, Laura Martínez-Quintana, Néstor Escalona, Gina Pecchi, Carla Herrera and Catherine Sepulveda

Reactions 2026, 7(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions7020028 - 9 Apr 2026

Viewed by 870

Abstract

Pure LaFeO₃@C and LaCoO₃@C and substituted LaFe_1-xCo_xO₃ and LaCo_1-xFe_xO₃ perovskites (x = 0.10; 0.30) were used as catalysts for the liquid-phase oxidation of furfural at 150 °C and 30 [...] Read more.

Pure LaFeO₃@C and LaCoO₃@C and substituted LaFe_1-xCo_xO₃ and LaCo_1-xFe_xO₃ perovskites (x = 0.10; 0.30) were used as catalysts for the liquid-phase oxidation of furfural at 150 °C and 30 bar of O₂ pressure. The perovskites were characterized by XRD, H₂-TPR, N₂ physisorption, TPR-MeOH, and XPS. The carbon in situ incorporation (@C) increases the surface area, favoring oxygen mobility leading to LaFeO₃@C stabilizing the redox pair Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺. In contrast, no evidence of the formation of a LaCoO₃@C perovskite structure through @C incorporation was observed. The gradual substitution of Fe with Co (10 and 30%) in LaFeO₃@C decreases the crystallinity, redox and basic properties, and surface area. For LaCoO₃@C, after the substitution of Co with 10 and 30% of Fe, only metal (La, Fe, Co) oxides as segregated phases were observed. The highest catalytic activity and selectivity to maleic acid of LaFeO₃@C is attributed to the higher surface area, crystalline structure, and surface-reducible Fe³⁺ species, favoring oxygen mobility and promoting their more oxidizing capacity. The lower catalytic activity of LaCoO₃@C, the Co- and Fe-substituted LaFeO₃@C and LaCoO₃@C catalysts, is attributed to the smaller surface area, and the similar selectivity towards maleic acid, 5-hydroxy-2(5H) and furanone indicates that the active site type is not modified in comparison to LaFeO₃@C. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Green and Sustainable Catalytic Process)

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20 pages, 1160 KB  

Open AccessReview

Green-Synthesized Nanoparticles for Efficient Dye Degradation: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Perspectives

by Xi Zheng, Xiang Li, Jiahui Deng, Yanhui Yuan, Xiaodong Jiang and Kun Xu

Catalysts 2026, 16(2), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16020125 - 29 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1979

Abstract

The acceleration of industrialization in many countries, driven by increasing societal demands, has led to a substantial rise in dye consumption and associated environmental concerns. Dye wastewater constitutes a significant pollution source, with certain dyes exhibiting high toxicity and carcinogenicity, posing serious threats [...] Read more.

The acceleration of industrialization in many countries, driven by increasing societal demands, has led to a substantial rise in dye consumption and associated environmental concerns. Dye wastewater constitutes a significant pollution source, with certain dyes exhibiting high toxicity and carcinogenicity, posing serious threats to human health and ecosystem integrity. Current dye removal techniques face notable limitations: adsorption methods often entail high costs and restricted applicability, whereas biological treatments impose specific requirements on the physicochemical properties of wastewater. Nanoparticles, characterized by their distinct physical, chemical, and biological properties, offer promising alternatives due to their high surface-to-volume ratios, which render them effective as both catalysts and adsorbents. This review systematically categorizes the mechanisms of nanoparticle-mediated dye degradation into three primary pathways, with a specific focus on the application of green-synthesized metal nanoparticles within each category. It elucidates the fundamental reaction mechanisms of green synthesis and provides an in-depth analysis of how bioactive components regulate the final morphology, crystal structure, and surface properties of the resulting nanoparticles. Furthermore, strategies to enhance degradation efficiency are discussed, including nanoparticle modification, bimetallic doping, and immobilization on suitable substrates. The incorporation of magnetic properties, either through intrinsic design or by supporting nanoparticles on magnetic carriers, also improves recyclability and practical utility. These advances underscore the considerable potential of nanoparticles to address the challenges of dye pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Green and Sustainable Catalytic Process)

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16 pages, 1415 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Decolorization and Detoxification of Synthetic Dyes by Trametes versicolor Laccase Under Salt Stress Conditions

by Thaís Marques Uber, Danielly Maria Paixão Novi, Luana Yumi Murase, Vinícius Mateus Salvatori Cheute, Samanta Shiraishi Kagueyama, Alex Graça Contato, Rosely Aparecida Peralta, Adelar Bracht and Rosane Marina Peralta

Reactions 2025, 6(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions6040053 - 3 Oct 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2688

Abstract

Fungal laccases are promising oxidative enzymes for bioremediation applications, particularly in the degradation of synthetic dyes present in industrial effluents. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) on the activity of Trametes [...] Read more.

Fungal laccases are promising oxidative enzymes for bioremediation applications, particularly in the degradation of synthetic dyes present in industrial effluents. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) on the activity of Trametes versicolor laccase and its ability to decolorize Congo Red (CR), Malachite Green (MG), and Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR). Enzyme assays revealed concentration-dependent inhibition, with IC₅₀ values of 0.22 ± 0.04 M for NaCl and 1.00 ± 0.09 M for Na₂SO₄, indicating stronger inhibition by chloride. Kinetic modeling showed mixed-type inhibition for both salts. Despite this effect, the enzyme maintained significant activity: after 12 h, decolorization efficiencies reached 95 ± 4.0% for MG, 88 ± 3.0% for RBBR, and 75 ± 3.0% for CR, even in the presence of 0.5 M salts. When applied to a mixture of the three dyes, decolorization decreased only slightly in saline medium (94.04 ± 4.0% to 83.43 ± 5.1%). FTIR spectra revealed minor structural changes, but toxicity assays confirmed marked detoxification, with radicle length in lettuce seeds increasing from 20–38 mm (untreated dyes) to 41–48 mm after enzymatic treatment. Fungal growth assays corroborated reduced toxicity of treated dyes. These findings demonstrate that T. versicolor laccase retains functional robustness under ionic stress, supporting its potential application in saline textile wastewater remediation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Green and Sustainable Catalytic Process)

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