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Volume 13
Issue 12
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Catalysts, Volume 13, Issue 12 (December 2023) – 64 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Hydrogen production from biogas has emerged as an important technology with continuous development, contributing to sustainable and clean energy generation. Specifically, steam reforming of methane is one of the most important methods for this purpose. The role of catalysts to make this process efficient is crucial, increasing the hydrogen yield with milder operating conditions. The aim of this work is to cover the main points related to catalytic steam reforming of biogas, from feedstocks for biogas production to hydrogen purification. A special emphasis was put on the influence of different variables on catalytic performance and the most common catalysts used, as well as the main deactivation mechanisms and their possible solutions, supported by recent studies. View this paper
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20 pages, 11989 KiB  
Article
Stability of Ruthenium/Carbon Catalytic Materials during Operation in Carbon Monoxide Methanation Process
by Elżbieta Truszkiewicz, Klaudia Latoszek, Milena Ojrzyńska, Andrzej Ostrowski and Leszek Kępiński
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121518 - 18 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1686
Abstract
The stable activity of catalysts is an important characteristic, which determines their suitability for industrial applications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the stability of ruthenium systems deposited on carbon under conditions simulating long-term operation in CO methanation. Two series of [...] Read more.
The stable activity of catalysts is an important characteristic, which determines their suitability for industrial applications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the stability of ruthenium systems deposited on carbon under conditions simulating long-term operation in CO methanation. Two series of Ru/carbon catalysts were prepared and studied during CO methanation in a hydrogen-rich gas stream. Two graphitized carbons substantially differing in their surface area (23 and 1457 m2/g) were used as supports, and Ru loadings of 3 and 6 wt.% were applied. The stability of Ru/C catalysts was examined in a 240 h time-on-stream test. The samples were characterized by CO chemisorption, XRD, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, TG–MS studies and CO-TPD. The stability of the catalysts over 240 h in the CO + H2 mixture depended on the support type and Ru loading. The highest CO conversion and increased activity was observed for both catalysts with Ru dispersion above 80%. The tested systems were also resistant to carbon deposition. Interestingly, a similar level of activity was obtained for 3 wt.% Ru supported on the low surface area carbon. It is presumed that the similar activity observed for systems with such different ruthenium dispersion is related to the presence of active sites of different strength and structure on the surface of both small and large Ru particles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Catalysis in Chemical Industry: Synthesis, Catalyst Design, and Evaluation, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 13591 KiB  
Article
Micron-Sized Hierarchical Beta Zeolites Templated by Mesoscale Cationic Polymers as Robust Catalysts for Acylation of Anisole with Acetic Anhydride
by Songsong Miao, Shuaishuai Sun, Zhenyu Lei, Yuting Sun, Chen Zhao, Junling Zhan, Wenxiang Zhang and Mingjun Jia
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1517; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121517 - 18 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1370
Abstract
Hierarchical Beta zeolites with interconnected intracrystalline mesopores and high structural stability are highly attractive for catalytic applications involving bulky reactants. Here, by introducing a suitable amount of polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride into the initial synthesis system, micron-sized Beta zeolite crystals with abundant hierarchical porosity (Beta-H) [...] Read more.
Hierarchical Beta zeolites with interconnected intracrystalline mesopores and high structural stability are highly attractive for catalytic applications involving bulky reactants. Here, by introducing a suitable amount of polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride into the initial synthesis system, micron-sized Beta zeolite crystals with abundant hierarchical porosity (Beta-H) were hydrothermally synthesized. The sample named Beta-H_1 exhibited very high catalytic activity and durability for the Friedel–Crafts acylation of anisole with acetic anhydride. A 92% conversion rate of acetic anhydride could be achieved after 1 h of reaction in a fixed bed reactor, and 71% conversion still remained after 10 h, much better than the rate for conventional Beta zeolite (which decreased rapidly from 85% to 37% within 10 h). The enhanced catalytic performance of Beta-H zeolites could be mainly attributed to the relatively lower strong acid density and the faster transport rate of the hierarchical zeolites. In addition, Beta-H showed high structural stability and could be easily regenerated via high-temperature calcination without obvious loss in catalytic activity, demonstrating its great potential for catalytic applications in the industrially important Friedel–Crafts acylation process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Materials)
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12 pages, 5957 KiB  
Article
Insight into Structural and Physicochemical Properties of ZrO2-SiO2 Monolithic Catalysts with Hierarchical Pore Structure: Effect of Zirconium Precursor
by Katarzyna Maresz, Agnieszka Ciemięga, Patryk Bezkosty, Kamil Kornaus, Maciej Sitarz, Maciej Krzywiecki and Julita Mrowiec-Białoń
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121516 - 16 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1298
Abstract
Zirconia–silica monolithic catalysts with hierarchical micro/macroporous structure were obtained in a sol-gel process combined with phase separation using inorganic salts, i.e., oxychloride, oxynitrate and sulphate, as a zirconium source. It was found that the use of zirconium oxychloride and prehydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) [...] Read more.
Zirconia–silica monolithic catalysts with hierarchical micro/macroporous structure were obtained in a sol-gel process combined with phase separation using inorganic salts, i.e., oxychloride, oxynitrate and sulphate, as a zirconium source. It was found that the use of zirconium oxychloride and prehydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) resulted in materials characterized by a well-developed continuous structure of macropores with a diameter of ca. 10 μm. For zirconium oxynitrate and sulfate modified materials, the prehydrolysis hardly affected the macropore size. The micropores with a diameter of 1.5 nm in the skeleton of all materials provided a large surface area of 550–590 m2/g. A high dispersion of zirconia in the silica skeleton in all studied materials was shown. However, the largest surface concentration of Lewis and Brönsted acid sites was found in the monolith synthesized with zirconium oxychloride. The monoliths were used as a core for continuous-flow microreactors and high catalytic activity was confirmed in the deacetalization of benzylaldehyde dimethyl acetal. The process was characterized by a high efficiency at low temperature, i.e., 35 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Catalytic Reactor: From Active Center to Application Tests, 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 2559 KiB  
Article
Novel In Vitro Multienzyme Cascade for Efficient Synthesis of d-Tagatose from Sucrose
by Shuangyu Liu, Wenyu Tu, Ye Ni, Yuanyi Guo and Ruizhi Han
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1515; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121515 - 15 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1886
Abstract
d-Tagatose is a rare sugar with low calories, and is extensively used in food, beverage, and drug additives. In this study, an in vitro multienzyme cascade route for d-tagatose synthesis from sucrose (MCTS) was designed, which contains five enzymes (sucrose phosphorylase, [...] Read more.
d-Tagatose is a rare sugar with low calories, and is extensively used in food, beverage, and drug additives. In this study, an in vitro multienzyme cascade route for d-tagatose synthesis from sucrose (MCTS) was designed, which contains five enzymes (sucrose phosphorylase, fructokinase, d-fructose 6-phosphate 4-epimerase, d-tagatose 6-phosphate phosphatase, and polyphosphate kinase). The whole MCTS route comprised a sucrose phosphorylation reaction, and a phosphorylation–dephosphorylation reaction coupled with an ATP regeneration system. After optimization, the conversion of d-tagatose from 10 mM sucrose reached 82.3%. At an elevated sucrose concentration of 50 mM, 72.4% of d-tagatose conversion and 0.27 g·L–1·h−1 of space–time yield were obtained. Furthermore, ADP consumption decreased to 1% of the sucrose concentration after introducing the ATP regeneration system. The MCTS strategy is an efficient and cost-effective approach for d-tagatose production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Enzyme Engineering, Biocatalysis and Biosynthesis)
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24 pages, 1424 KiB  
Review
Heterogeneous Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Methanation: A View on Catalytic Performance
by Mazhar Ahmed Memon, Yanan Jiang, Muhammad Azher Hassan, Muhammad Ajmal, Hong Wang and Yuan Liu
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1514; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121514 - 15 Dec 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4885
Abstract
CO2 methanation offers a promising route for converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and energy fuels at the same time as hydrogen is stored in methane, so the development of suitable catalysts is crucial. In this review, the performance of catalysts for [...] Read more.
CO2 methanation offers a promising route for converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and energy fuels at the same time as hydrogen is stored in methane, so the development of suitable catalysts is crucial. In this review, the performance of catalysts for CO2 methanation is presented and discussed, including noble metal-based catalysts and non-noble metal-based catalysts. Among the noble metal-based catalysts (Ru, Rh, and Pd), Ru-based catalysts show the best catalytic performance. In the non-noble metal catalysts, Ni-based catalysts are the best among Ni-, Co-, and Fe-based catalysts. The factors predominantly affecting catalytic performance are the dispersion of the active metal; the synergy of the active metal with support; and the addition of dopants. Further comprehensive investigations into (i) catalytic performance under industrial conditions, (ii) stability over a much longer period and (iii) activity enhancement at low reaction temperatures are anticipated to meet the industrial applications of CO2 methanation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Catalysis for Hydrogen Production and Fuel Conversion)
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14 pages, 5918 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Ecological Parameters of a Compression Ignition Engine Fueled by Diesel Oil with an Eco Fuel Shot Liquid Catalyst
by Tomasz Osipowicz, Adam Koniuszy, Viktar Taustyka, Karol Franciszek Abramek and Łukasz Mozga
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1513; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121513 - 15 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1454
Abstract
This article discusses the potential applications of the Fuel Shot liquid catalyst in compression ignition (CI) engines for reducing toxic substances in exhaust gases. Incorporating catalysts into fuel can optimize the combustion process, consequently reducing the emission of toxic substances into the atmosphere. [...] Read more.
This article discusses the potential applications of the Fuel Shot liquid catalyst in compression ignition (CI) engines for reducing toxic substances in exhaust gases. Incorporating catalysts into fuel can optimize the combustion process, consequently reducing the emission of toxic substances into the atmosphere. Toxic compounds, such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and hydrocarbons, adversely affect flora and fauna. Various methods are known for reducing their concentration in engine exhaust gases, one of which is the Fuel Shot liquid catalyst. The authors conducted experiments on a Fiat 1.3 JTD engine with a Common Rail system. The results indicate that the application of the liquid catalyst reduces the content of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons in the exhaust gases and slightly decreases fuel consumption. Additionally, investigations were carried out on the engine’s injection apparatus, which was fueled with modified fuel. The findings demonstrate that the fuel additive does not affect the wear of precision parts of fuel injectors and high-pressure pumps. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emission Control Catalysis)
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15 pages, 4289 KiB  
Article
Modified Gasification-Slag-Driven Persulfate Activation for Highly Efficient Degradation of Acetaminophen: N/O Active Site Regulation and Nonradical Oxidation
by Wenhao Si, Fei Qi, Kangjun Wang, Qiang Wang, Zequan Zeng, Yuting Niu and Zhanggen Huang
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1512; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121512 - 15 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1346
Abstract
With the development of coal chemical technology, a large amount of gasification slag and wastewater are produced through coal gasification. Efficient gasification slag utilization and wastewater treatment have attracted much attention. In this study, gasification slag was modified and used as a low-cost [...] Read more.
With the development of coal chemical technology, a large amount of gasification slag and wastewater are produced through coal gasification. Efficient gasification slag utilization and wastewater treatment have attracted much attention. In this study, gasification slag was modified and used as a low-cost and efficient catalyst to activate persulfate for acetaminophen degradation. Via the analysis of high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the surfaces of nitric acid and calcined modified gasification slag retained a considerable number of carbonyl and graphite N functional groups. These proved to be effective active sites for the activation of persulfate. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the gasification slag was composed of carbon and SiO2. The evaluation of catalytic activity and application of density functional theory proved that the interaction between carbonyl and graphitic nitrogen significantly affected the catalyst activity. When the ratio of graphitic nitrogen to carbonyl was 1:3, the adsorption and activation of persulfate were significantly enhanced. The results of the quenching experiments also confirmed that the non-free radical pathway is the main pathway to activate persulfate using the gasification slag. This study provides a new approach to industrial waste utilization in wastewater treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 8695 KiB  
Article
Effect of High-Energy Milling on Ceria-Zirconia’s Redox Properties
by Anatoly Bortun, Mila Bortun, Benjamin Brown and Jeremy Madynski
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1511; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121511 - 14 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1327
Abstract
Series of ceria-zirconia (CZ)-based nano-materials with a d50 in the range of 0.2 to 1.3 microns were made using the jar milling, Eiger milling, and steam jet milling (SJM) techniques. The effect of the milling conditions on the morphology and textural properties [...] Read more.
Series of ceria-zirconia (CZ)-based nano-materials with a d50 in the range of 0.2 to 1.3 microns were made using the jar milling, Eiger milling, and steam jet milling (SJM) techniques. The effect of the milling conditions on the morphology and textural properties was studied. High-energy steam jet milling in a quasi-hydrothermal environment (with potential local temperature spikes over 500 °C) significantly impacted the CZ crystal structure by inducing lattice distortions. It was shown that the acquired lattice stress resulted in a significant increase in oxygen mobility, which was manifested by a TPR-H2 Tmax shift from 450–550 to 150–250 °C. CZ materials with fast oxygen mobility are metastable phases, and re-slurring nano-CZ powders in water and impregnation with precious metals had stabilizing effects on fast oxygen mobility. Efficiently enhancing the CZ redox activity milling process took place in the following order: Steam jet milling > Eiger milling > jar milling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Materials)
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12 pages, 2344 KiB  
Article
Co-Encapsulation of Rhenium and Ruthenium Complexes into the Scaffolds of Metal–Organic Framework to Promote CO2 Reduction
by Zhifang Su, Baolan Yu, Jianxin Feng, Maoling Zhong, Xuan Li and Jianying Shi
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1510; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121510 - 14 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1707
Abstract
The molecular complexes of Re(4,4′-dcbpy)(CO)3Cl (dcbpy = dicarboxylicacid-2,2’-bipyridyl) and [Ru(dcbpy)3]2+ are co-assembled into UiO-66 scaffolds as structural imperfects for CO2 photocatalytic reduction (named as Re-Ru@U). The prepared catalysts are characterized by XRD, Fourier-Transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X-ray [...] Read more.
The molecular complexes of Re(4,4′-dcbpy)(CO)3Cl (dcbpy = dicarboxylicacid-2,2’-bipyridyl) and [Ru(dcbpy)3]2+ are co-assembled into UiO-66 scaffolds as structural imperfects for CO2 photocatalytic reduction (named as Re-Ru@U). The prepared catalysts are characterized by XRD, Fourier-Transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. The intact structure of molecular complexes within the matrix are monitored by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra through a totally digesting catalyst. The optical properties are studied via absorption and photoluminescence spectra, and the single-electron reduction in Re and Ru complexes is detected by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra. An excellent photocatalytic performance is obtained with steady and sustained CO evolution and a turnover number (TON) value of 15 (11 h). The CO activity irradiating by single wavelength presents the absorption-intensity-dependent changing tendency, where the absorption intensity is superposed by Re and Ru complexes. The two radicals related to Re and Ru, respectively, are simultaneously detected in the Re-Ru@U catalyst. It is suggested that the ReC2 component serves as both a photosensitizer and a catalyst, and the RuC2 component works as an additional photosensitizer to supply the second electron for CO2 reduction. The co-assembling of dual metals Re and Ru in the matrix promotes the electron transfer from the reductive Ru centres to one-electron-reduced Re centres and accounts for the superior activity of CO evolution. Our results demonstrate a strategy to develop the multimetallic catalysts via facile assembling into MOF scaffolds to promote photocatalytic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Catalysis for Clean Energy Production and Carbon Dioxide Utilization)
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20 pages, 9332 KiB  
Article
Green Synthesis of Mixed ZnO-SnO2 Nanoparticles for Solar-Assisted Degradation of Synthetic Dyes
by Tahani Saad Algarni, Amal M. Al-Mohaimeed, Naaser A. Y. Abduh, Reem Abdulrahman Habab and Saad Mohammed Alqahtani
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1509; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121509 - 13 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1686
Abstract
In this work, ZnO, SnO2, and their mixed ZnO-SnO2(25%) nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully green synthesized in a straightforward manner with a low-cost and environmentally friendly approach using a banana peel extract. The synthesized nanophotocatalysts were characterized using various techniques [...] Read more.
In this work, ZnO, SnO2, and their mixed ZnO-SnO2(25%) nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully green synthesized in a straightforward manner with a low-cost and environmentally friendly approach using a banana peel extract. The synthesized nanophotocatalysts were characterized using various techniques including FTIR, XRD, UV-Vis, TEM, SEM, BET, PL, EDS, and TGA. The characterization results showed that the ZnO and SnO2 powders were crystallized in a hexagonal wurtzite and rutile-type tetragonal structures, respectively, and their mixed ZnO-SnO2(25%) NPs contain both structures. Also, it was found that the addition of SnO2 into the ZnO structure reduces the PL intensity of the latter, confirming better separation of electron/hole pairs. The average particle size of a ZnO-SnO2(25%) NP photocatalyst was found to be 7.23 nm. The cationic dyes methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) as well as the anionic dyes naphthol blue black (NBB) and Coomassie brilliant blue R 250 (CBB) were employed as model dyes to assess the dye removal efficiencies of the biosynthesized nanophotocatalysts under sunlight. In all cases, the mixed ZnO-SnO2(25%) NP photocatalyst showed much better photocatalytic activity than individual photocatalysts. The degradation percent of dyes using ZnO-SnO2(25%) NPs ranged between 92.2% and 98%. The efficient photocatalytic activity of ZnO-SnO2(25%) NPs is attributed to the effective charge separation and reduced electron/hole recombination rate. The kinetic study results conformed to a pseudo first-order reaction rationalized in terms of the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. Furthermore, the results showed that the ZnO-SnO2(25%) NP photocatalyst is highly stable and could be recycled several times without a noticeable reduction in its catalytic activity towards dye removal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysts and Photocatalysts Based on Mixed Metal Oxides)
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13 pages, 4608 KiB  
Article
Sodium Promoted FeZn@SiO2-C Catalysts for Sustainable Production of Low Olefins by CO2 Hydrogenation
by Zhijiang Ni, Mingxing Cai, Shiyu Zhong, Xiaoyu Chen, Hanyu Shen and Lin Su
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1508; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121508 - 12 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1632
Abstract
A prepared FeZnNa@SiO2-C catalyst with graphitized carbon (C)-modified mesoporous SiO2 supports metal nanoparticles with the sol–gel method. The effect of adding metal Na and Zn promoters as a dispersion on the CO2 hydrogenation to low olefins was systematically studied. [...] Read more.
A prepared FeZnNa@SiO2-C catalyst with graphitized carbon (C)-modified mesoporous SiO2 supports metal nanoparticles with the sol–gel method. The effect of adding metal Na and Zn promoters as a dispersion on the CO2 hydrogenation to low olefins was systematically studied. The results showed that Zn–Na, as a combination, could promote the absorption of CO2 and improved the conversion rate of CO2. Na as an alkaline substance can improve the absorption of more acidic CO2, which could increase the conversion rate of CO2 to 59.03%. Meanwhile, the addition of secondary metal Zn to Fe-based catalysts to form a surface alloy could alter the adsorption of CO2 and the activation of C-O bonds, inhibit the subsequent hydrogenation of olefins to paraffins, and facilitate the reduction of Fe2O3 and the formation of active Fe5C2 species. The formation of active Fe5C2 species was found in TEM and XRD, and the selectivity of the target product was 41.07%. The deep hydrogenation of olefins was inhibited, and the space–time yield (STY) of low olefins was raised again by inhibiting their deep hydrogenations, up to 0.0436. However, the corresponding STY did not increase infinitely with the increase of Na doping, and higher catalytic performance for CO2 hydrogenation could be exhibited when the Na doping reached 6.4%. Compared with Fe@SiO2-C catalyst, Na- and Zn-promoted Fe-based catalysts, prepared by the modified sol-gel method, can be used directly for highly efficient CO2 hydrogenation to low olefins and thus has a more promising application prospect in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis for Selective Hydrogenation of CO and CO2)
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13 pages, 3415 KiB  
Article
The Role of Alcohols in the Hexene-1 Hydroalkoxycarbonylation Reaction with Catalysts Based on Palladium Complexes
by Gulbanu Zhaksylykova, Kairzhan Shalmagambetov, Fatima Kanapiyeva, Nurbolat Kudaibergenov, Marat Bulybayev, Meruyert Zykai, Gulmira Abyzbekova and Gulzhan Balykbayeva
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1507; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121507 - 12 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1299
Abstract
In this work, the activity of various alcohols in the hexene-1 hydroalkoxycarbonylation reaction in the presence of two catalytic systems was investigated for the first time: (1) Pd(PPh3)4-PPh3-TsOH (menthol, cyclohexanol, ethanol, propanol, iso-propanol, butanol, isobutanol and benzyl [...] Read more.
In this work, the activity of various alcohols in the hexene-1 hydroalkoxycarbonylation reaction in the presence of two catalytic systems was investigated for the first time: (1) Pd(PPh3)4-PPh3-TsOH (menthol, cyclohexanol, ethanol, propanol, iso-propanol, butanol, isobutanol and benzyl alcohol) and (2) PdCl2(PPh3)2-PPh3-AlCl3 (ethanol, propanol-1, butanol-1, isoamyl alcohol, isobutanol, pentanol-1, allyl alcohol and tert-butyl alcohol). The optimal process parameters (temperature, pressure and reaction time) for the reactions of the hydropropoxycarbonylation and hydrobutoxycarbonylation of hexene-1, at which the yields of target products reached 91.8% and 91.5%, respectively, were determined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Catalysis in Organic and Polymer Chemistry)
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17 pages, 4907 KiB  
Article
Photocatalytic Efficacy and Degradation Kinetics of Chitosan-Loaded Ce-TiO2 Nanocomposite towards for Rhodamine B Dye
by Anish Clastin Indira, Jaya Rajan Muthaian, Muthirulan Pandi, Faruq Mohammad, Hamad A. Al-Lohedan and Ahmed A. Soleiman
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1506; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121506 - 11 Dec 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1943
Abstract
The recent advancement in the production of nanomaterials with novel architectures and functionality has allowed for the effective treatment of industrial wastewaters and contaminated soil and, in that view, the current study aimed to investigate the catalytic efficacy of biopolymer-loaded titanium nanocomposite. Therefore, [...] Read more.
The recent advancement in the production of nanomaterials with novel architectures and functionality has allowed for the effective treatment of industrial wastewaters and contaminated soil and, in that view, the current study aimed to investigate the catalytic efficacy of biopolymer-loaded titanium nanocomposite. Therefore, Cerium (Ce)-titanium dioxide (TiO2) loaded chitosan nanocomposite was formed and studied its catalytic efficacy towards the degradation of an industrial dye pollutant. For the production of Ce-TiO2/chitosan nanocomposite, we followed the hydrothermal synthesis route and the formed nanocomposite was thoroughly analyzed for the crystallinity (using powdered X-ray diffraction, XRD), surface bonding, and nature (using Fourier transform infrared, FTIR spectroscopy), morphology (scanning electron microscopy, SEM), elemental composition (electron diffraction analysis by X-rays, EDAX), porosity (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, BET), and particles size in powdered form (transmission electron microscopy, TEM). Then the efficiency of synthesized nanocomposite was tested towards the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) dye by applying various parameters such as the irradiation time, solution pH, catalyst dosage, and the dye concentration. Further, the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model was employed to investigate the kinetics of RhB degradation and provided a conceivable photocatalytic mechanism. It was indicated based on the catalyst mechanism that the modification of TiO2 nanoparticles with Ce and loading onto chitosan biopolymer may have accelerated the photocurrent transport due to an increase in the number of electrons and holes generated by the photon’s irradiation. In this way, the study has witnessed the excellent photocatalytic performance of Ce-TiO2/chitosan with 95% Rh B degradation as against the pure TiO2 nanoparticles thus stressing the importance of developing novel composite photocatalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air and Water Purification Processes through Photocatalysis: Scale Up Perspectives, 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 4935 KiB  
Article
Carbon Monoxide and Propylene Catalytic Oxidation Activity of Noble Metals (M = Pt, Pd, Ag, and Au) Loaded on the Surface of Ce0.875Zr0.125O2 (110)
by Chenxi Zhang, Xuesong Cao, Lili Guo, Zhihao Fang, Di Feng and Xiaomin Sun
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1505; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121505 - 11 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1311
Abstract
With the advances in engine technology, the exhaust gas temperature of automobiles has further reduced, which in turn leads to an increase in the emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HCs). In order to understand the influence of CeO2-based catalysts [...] Read more.
With the advances in engine technology, the exhaust gas temperature of automobiles has further reduced, which in turn leads to an increase in the emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HCs). In order to understand the influence of CeO2-based catalysts loaded with different noble metals on the catalytic oxidation activity of CO and HCs, this study constructed catalyst models of Ce0.875Zr0.125O2 (100) surfaces loaded with Pt, Pd, Ag, and Au. The electronic density and state density structures of the catalysts were analyzed, and the reaction energy barriers for CO oxidation and C3H6 dehydrogenation oxidation on the catalyst surfaces were also calculated. Furthermore, the activity sequences of the catalysts were explored. The results revealed that after loading Pt, Pd, Ag, and Au atoms onto the catalyst surfaces, these noble metal atoms exhibited strong interactions with the catalyst surfaces, and electron transfer occurred between the noble metal atoms and the catalyst surfaces. Loading with noble metals can enhance the catalytic activity of CO oxidation, but it has little effect on the dehydrogenation oxidation of C3H6. Of the different noble metals, loading with Pd exhibits the best catalytic activity for both CO and C3H6 oxidation. This study elucidated the influence of noble metal doping on the catalytic activity of catalysts at the molecular level, providing theoretical guidance for the design of a new generation of green and efficient catalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Computational Catalysis)
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18 pages, 18288 KiB  
Article
Visible-Light-Driven BiOBr-TiO2-Attapulgite Photocatalyst with Excellent Photocatalytic Activity for Multiple Xanthates
by Yaozhong Qi, Sikai Zhao, Xiaoyu Jiang, Zhangke Kang, Shuling Gao, Wengang Liu and Yanbai Shen
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1504; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121504 - 10 Dec 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1559
Abstract
The novel ternary composites BiOBr-TiO2-attapulgite (BTA) were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal and water-bath method, exhibiting excellent photocatalytic performance to multiple xanthates. For the BTA photocatalyst, TiO2 and BiOBr were uniformly loaded onto the surface of acid-activated attapulgite. As a [...] Read more.
The novel ternary composites BiOBr-TiO2-attapulgite (BTA) were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal and water-bath method, exhibiting excellent photocatalytic performance to multiple xanthates. For the BTA photocatalyst, TiO2 and BiOBr were uniformly loaded onto the surface of acid-activated attapulgite. As a widely used collector in mining processes, sodium ethyl-xanthate (SEX) was selected as the target pollutant due to its high toxicity. The BTA ternary photocatalyst demonstrated significantly higher adsorption and photocatalytic degradation performance compared to TiO2 nanoparticles, BiOBr nanosheets, and BiOBr-TiO2 heterojunction. Structural characterization and experimental results indicated that the exceptional photocatalytic degradation efficiency of BTA was mainly attributed to the formation of a heterojunction between BiOBr and TiO2, as well as the presence of additional active adsorption sites provided by attapulgite. Free radical scavenging experiments and EPR results confirmed that the photogenerated holes were the predominant active species in photodegrading SEX throughout the entire experiment. The LC-MS results provided insight into potential degradation pathways of SEX. This research demonstrates that BTA, as a novel triple composite material, achieves rapid and complete degradation to 20 mg/L SEX within 20 min. This work presents a novel approach to synthesize mineral-based photocatalysts, which have broad prospects for application in flotation wastewater treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Papers of the Editorial Board Members and Topical Advisory Panel Members of Catalysts in Section "Photocatalysis")
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12 pages, 2901 KiB  
Article
The Immobilization of β-Galactosidase on Glass Fiber Rolls
by Darja Pečar, Katja Zečević and Andreja Goršek
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1503; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121503 - 9 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1216
Abstract
The usability of glass fibers as immobilization support with a porous open structure was investigated. We developed a method to immobilize the enzyme β-galactosidase on special glass fiber rolls. The new method is simple, non-expensive and industrially applicable. Glutaraldehyde was used as a [...] Read more.
The usability of glass fibers as immobilization support with a porous open structure was investigated. We developed a method to immobilize the enzyme β-galactosidase on special glass fiber rolls. The new method is simple, non-expensive and industrially applicable. Glutaraldehyde was used as a non-specific cross-linking agent for the covalent binding of β-galactosidase on modified glass fibers. The efficiency of immobilization was tested with the known hydrolysis of lactose. All experiments were performed in a continuous laboratory reactor. The influence of the reaction temperature (20, 25 and 30 °C), the substrate flow rate (1, 2 and 3 mL/min) and the pH of the reaction medium (6, 7 and 8) on the conversion was investigated. The reaction efficiency was monitored by measuring the glucose concentration with a spectrophotometer. High immobilization efficiency, enzyme activity and stability were obtained. The optimal reaction temperature, substrate flow rate and pH were found. The activity and stability of the enzyme entrapped on the glass fiber rolls remained almost unchanged during reuse, which is promising for potential industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biocatalysis)
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28 pages, 7788 KiB  
Review
Visible-Light-Driven α-C(sp3)–H Bond Functionalization of Glycine Derivatives
by Yao Tian, Xiubin Bu, Yuanrui Chen, Luohe Wang, Junnan E, Jing Zeng, Hao Xu, Aihong Han, Xiaobo Yang and Zhen Zhao
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1502; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121502 - 8 Dec 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2076
Abstract
The glycine motif is widely prevalent in bioactive peptides. Thus, the direct and precise modification of glycine derivatives has attracted significant attention over the past few decades. Among various protocols for the modification of glycine derivatives, the visible-light-driven direct α-C(sp3)–H bond [...] Read more.
The glycine motif is widely prevalent in bioactive peptides. Thus, the direct and precise modification of glycine derivatives has attracted significant attention over the past few decades. Among various protocols for the modification of glycine derivatives, the visible-light-driven direct α-C(sp3)–H bond functionalization of glycine derivatives has emerged as a powerful tool to achieve this objective, owing to its merits in atom economy, selectivity, reaction simplicity, and sustainability. This review summarizes the recent advancements in visible-light-driven direct α-C(sp3)–H bond functionalization of glycine derivatives. The contents of this review are organized based on the photocatalysts employed and the various reaction modes in the functionalization process. The mechanism, the challenges encountered, and future trends are also discussed, enabling readers to understand the current developmental status in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Photocatalysts in Organic Synthesis)
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15 pages, 3005 KiB  
Article
Enzyme Immobilization on Stainless Steel Fleece and Its Mass Transfer Enhancement of Enzymatic Catalysis in a Rotating Packed Bed Reactor
by Ruiyi Yang, Juntao Xu, Jinglong Wu, Dong Lu, Fang Wang and Kaili Nie
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1501; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121501 - 8 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1440
Abstract
Rotating packed beds (RPB) facilitate the mixing of heterogeneous substrates, and promote high mass transfer efficiency in heterogeneous reactions. For the enzymatic reactions, traditional porous particles with immobilized enzymes are sensitive to the strong sheer force of the RPB, thus limiting its application. [...] Read more.
Rotating packed beds (RPB) facilitate the mixing of heterogeneous substrates, and promote high mass transfer efficiency in heterogeneous reactions. For the enzymatic reactions, traditional porous particles with immobilized enzymes are sensitive to the strong sheer force of the RPB, thus limiting its application. This work offers a strategy for enzyme immobilization on the surface of stainless-steel fleece, to improve the shear strength resistance of immobilized enzymes. Lipase was applied to investigate and optimize the immobilization. Finally, a fatty acid hydratase (FAH) was applied for immobilization based on the optimized method, which was further applied for evaluating its performance in RPB. The results indicated that metal immobilized enzymes resist a higher shear force than their particle-immobilized alternatives. Operating at a centrifugal force factor (β) of 30, the hydration conversion rate of 96% is achieved after 8 h, which was from nearly 38% faster than in a stirrer tank reactor (hydration yield of 60%). The metal immobilization, moreover, efficiently improved the enzyme reusability, as demonstrated by a conversion rate remaining above 90% after 15 batches. These results indicated that a metal immobilization method combined with an RPB reactor significantly increases the efficiency of enzymatic reactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surfaces and Interfaces in Biocatalysis)
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18 pages, 5427 KiB  
Article
Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of Solar Energy Produced Bio-Oil in Supercritical Ethanol with Mo2C/CNF Catalysts: Effect of Mo Concentration
by Alejandro Ayala-Cortés, Daniel Torres, Esther Frecha, Pedro Arcelus-Arrillaga, Heidi Isabel Villafán-Vidales, Adriana Longoria, José Luis Pinilla and Isabel Suelves
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1500; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121500 - 8 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1520
Abstract
Transition metal carbides have emerged as an attractive alternative to conventional catalysts in hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactions due to surface reactivity, catalytic activity, and thermodynamic stability similar to those of noble metals. In this study, the impact of varying Mo concentration in carbon nanofiber-supported [...] Read more.
Transition metal carbides have emerged as an attractive alternative to conventional catalysts in hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactions due to surface reactivity, catalytic activity, and thermodynamic stability similar to those of noble metals. In this study, the impact of varying Mo concentration in carbon nanofiber-supported catalysts for the supercritical ethanol-assisted HDO of bio-oils in an autoclave batch reactor is discussed. Raw bio-oils derived from agave bagasse and corncob through solar hydrothermal liquefaction were treated at 350 °C. Our findings indicate that the presence of Mo has a strong impact on both product yield and chemical properties. Thus, a Mo concentration of 10 wt.% is enough to obtain high deoxygenation values (69–72%), resulting in a yield of upgraded bio-oil ranging between 49.9 and 60.4%, depending on the feedstock used, with an energy content of around 35 MJ/kg. A further increase in the Mo loadings (20 and 30 wt.%) reduced the loss of carbon due to gasification and improved the bio-oil yields up to 62.6 and 67.4%, without compromising the product quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biomass Catalytic Conversion for a Sustainable Future)
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13 pages, 2484 KiB  
Article
Novel Ionic Liquid Synthesis of Bimetallic Fe–Ru Catalysts for the Direct Hydrogenation of CO2 to Short Chain Hydrocarbons
by Marina Maddaloni, Ander Centeno-Pedrazo, Simone Avanzi, Nayan Jyoti Mazumdar, Haresh Manyar and Nancy Artioli
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1499; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121499 - 7 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5033
Abstract
The selective hydrogenation of CO2 for the production of net-zero fuels and essential chemical building blocks is a promising approach to combat climate change. Key to this endeavor is the development of catalysts with high activity and selectivity for desired hydrocarbon products [...] Read more.
The selective hydrogenation of CO2 for the production of net-zero fuels and essential chemical building blocks is a promising approach to combat climate change. Key to this endeavor is the development of catalysts with high activity and selectivity for desired hydrocarbon products in the C2–C5 range. The process involves a two-step reaction, starting with the reverse water–gas shift (RWGS) reaction and proceeding to the Fischer–Tropsch reactions under high pressure. Understanding the catalyst features that control the selectivity of these pathways is crucial for product formation, as well as identifying morphological changes in the catalysts during the reaction to optimize their performance. In this study, an innovative method for synthesizing iron–ruthenium bimetallic catalysts is introduced, capitalizing on the synergistic effects of these metals as active phases. This method leverages ionic liquids as solvents, allowing for the precise and uniform distribution of active metal phases. Advanced characterizations and extensive catalytic tests have demonstrated that the use of ionic liquids outperformed traditional colloid-based techniques, resulting in superior selectivity for target hydrocarbons. The success of this inventive approach not only advances the field of CO2 hydrogenation catalysis, but also represents a significant stride towards sustainable e-fuel production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Catalysis with Lonic Liquids: Current Research and Future Opportunities)
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1 pages, 163 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Lee et al. Porous Aerogel Structures as Promising Materials for Photocatalysis, Thermal Insulation Textiles, and Technical Applications: A Review. Catalysts 2023, 13, 1286
by Kang Hoon Lee, Zafar Arshad, Alla Dahshan, Mubark Alshareef, Qana A. Alsulami, Ayesha Bibi, Eui-Jong Lee, Muddasir Nawaz, Usman Zubair and Amjed Javid
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1498; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121498 - 7 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 948
Abstract
There was an error in the original publication [...] Full article
16 pages, 3213 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress on Ruthenium-Based Electrocatalysts towards the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
by Lulu Li, Fenyang Tian, Longyu Qiu, Fengyu Wu, Weiwei Yang and Yongsheng Yu
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1497; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121497 - 7 Dec 2023
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 3178
Abstract
Hydrogen has emerged as an important candidate for clean energy, owing to its environmentally friendly advantages. Electrolytic hydrogen production stands out as the most promising technology for hydrogen production. Therefore, the design of highly efficient electrocatalysts is significant to drive the application of [...] Read more.
Hydrogen has emerged as an important candidate for clean energy, owing to its environmentally friendly advantages. Electrolytic hydrogen production stands out as the most promising technology for hydrogen production. Therefore, the design of highly efficient electrocatalysts is significant to drive the application of hydrogen technologies. Platinum (Pt)-based catalysts are famous for their outstanding performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the expensive cost limits its wide application. Ruthenium (Ru)-based catalysts have received extensive attention due to their relatively lower cost and HER performance similar to that of Pt. Nevertheless, the performance of Ru-based catalysts is still unable to meet industrial demands. Therefore, improving HER performance through the modification of Ru-based catalysts remains significant. In this review, the reaction mechanism of HER is analyzed and the latest research progress in the modification of Ru-based electrocatalysts is summarized. From the reaction mechanism perspective, addressing the adsorption of intermediates on the Ru-based electrocatalyst surface, the adsorption–activation of interface water molecules, and the behavior of interface water molecules and proposing solutions to enhance performance of Ru-based electrocatalyst are the main findings, ultimately contributing to promoting their application in the field of electrocatalysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Noble Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Heterogeneous Catalysis)
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14 pages, 2273 KiB  
Article
Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oil: Highly Efficient Homogeneous Iron(III) Molecular Catalysts
by Vincenzo Langellotti, Massimo Melchiorre, Maria Elena Cucciolito, Roberto Esposito, Domenico Grieco, Gabriella Pinto and Francesco Ruffo
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1496; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121496 - 7 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1589
Abstract
This article presents an efficient iron(III) molecular catalyst for the production of biodiesel from waste vegetable oils. The approach involved an initial screening of eight salophen complexes with various substituents on the arene rings, leading to the selection of the simplest unsubstituted species [...] Read more.
This article presents an efficient iron(III) molecular catalyst for the production of biodiesel from waste vegetable oils. The approach involved an initial screening of eight salophen complexes with various substituents on the arene rings, leading to the selection of the simplest unsubstituted species as the most active catalyst. Under optimized conditions, this catalyst demonstrated the capability to achieve complete conversion of the oil at a low catalyst loading (0.10% mol/mol) and convenient conditions (160 °C, 20/1 MeOH/oil ratio). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalytic Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization, 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 3204 KiB  
Review
Recent Applications of Flavin-Dependent Monooxygenases in Biosynthesis, Pharmaceutical Development, and Environmental Science
by Yuze Guan and Xi Chen
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1495; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121495 - 6 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2547
Abstract
Flavin-dependent monooxygenases (FMOs) have raised substantial interest as catalysts in monooxygenation reactions, impacting diverse fields such as drug metabolism, environmental studies, and natural product synthesis. Their application in biocatalysis boasts several advantages over conventional chemical catalysis, such as heightened selectivity, safety, sustainability, and [...] Read more.
Flavin-dependent monooxygenases (FMOs) have raised substantial interest as catalysts in monooxygenation reactions, impacting diverse fields such as drug metabolism, environmental studies, and natural product synthesis. Their application in biocatalysis boasts several advantages over conventional chemical catalysis, such as heightened selectivity, safety, sustainability, and eco-friendliness. In the realm of biomedicine, FMOs are pivotal in antibiotic research, significantly influencing the behavior of natural products, antimicrobial agents, and the pathways critical to drug synthesis They are also underscored as potential pharmaceutical targets, pivotal in opposing disease progression and viable for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, FMOs play a substantial role in environmental science, especially in pesticide processing and in preserving plant vitality. Their involvement in the biosynthesis of compounds like polyethers, tropolones, and ω-hydroxy fatty acids, with remarkable regio- and stereoselectivity, renders them indispensable in drug discovery and development. As our comprehension of FMOs’ catalytic mechanisms and structures advances, through the use of cutting-edge biotechnologies like computational design and directed evolution, FMOs are poised to occupy an increasingly significant role in both scientific exploration and industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Enzyme Engineering and Biocatalysis in China)
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15 pages, 3706 KiB  
Article
Constructing Interconnected Hollow Mesopore Sn-Si Mixed Oxide Microspheres by Aerosol-Assisted Alkali Treatment with Enhanced Catalytic Performance in Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation
by Qingrun Meng, Xiaoxu Gao, Dezheng Li and Huimin Liu
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1494; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121494 - 6 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1107
Abstract
In this work, Sn-Si mixed oxide microspheres with concave hollow morphologies were first synthesized by a simple aerosol method using the very common commercial surfactant cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as a template, and then highly interconnected mesoporous and hollow Sn-Si mixed oxide [...] Read more.
In this work, Sn-Si mixed oxide microspheres with concave hollow morphologies were first synthesized by a simple aerosol method using the very common commercial surfactant cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as a template, and then highly interconnected mesoporous and hollow Sn-Si mixed oxide microspheres were synthesized via an alkali (NaOH) treatment in the presence of CTAB. The results show that CTAB plays a crucial role not only in forming hollow morphologies during the aerosol process, but also protecting the amorphous framework and thus preventing the excessive loss of Sn species during the NaOH treatment. More importantly, it widens mesoporous distribution and forms interconnected mesoporous channels. The catalytic performance of Baeyer–Villiger oxidation on the interconnected mesoporous and hollow Sn-Si mixed oxide microspheres with 2-adamantanone and hydrogen peroxide was 9.4 times higher than that of the sample synthesized without the addition of CTAB; 2.3 times that of the untreated parent, which was due to the excellent diffusion properties derived from the hollow and interconnected mesopore structure. This method is mild, simple, low-cost, and can be continuously produced, which has the prospect of industrial application. Furthermore, the fundamentals of this study provide new insights for the rational design and preparation of highly interlinked mesoporous and hollow metal-oxides with unique catalytic performances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Catalysis)
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12 pages, 2444 KiB  
Article
Efficient Synthesis of Pyrrole Disulfides Catalyzed by Lipase in Ethanol
by Feiyang Wen, Yuelin Xu, Fengxi Li, Jinglin Ma, Zhi Wang, Hong Zhang and Lei Wang
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1493; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121493 - 6 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1517
Abstract
Disulfides, as fundamental scaffolds, are widely present in peptides, natural products, and pharmaceutical molecules. However, traditional synthesis of disulfides often involves the utilization of toxic reagents or environmentally unfriendly reaction conditions. In this work, a green and efficient method was developed for synthesizing [...] Read more.
Disulfides, as fundamental scaffolds, are widely present in peptides, natural products, and pharmaceutical molecules. However, traditional synthesis of disulfides often involves the utilization of toxic reagents or environmentally unfriendly reaction conditions. In this work, a green and efficient method was developed for synthesizing pyrrole disulfides using β-ketothioamides and ethyl cyanoacetate as substrates, with lipase serving as a catalyst. Under the optimal conditions (β-Ketothioamides (1 mmol), ethyl cyanoacetate (1 mmol), PPL (200 U), and EtOH (5 mL)), lipase leads to the formation of pyrrole disulfides in yields of up to 88% at 40 °C. The related mechanism is also speculated in this paper. This approach not only presents a new application of lipase in enzyme catalytic promiscuity, but also offers a significant advancement in the synthetic pathway for pyrrole disulfides and aligns with the current mainstream research direction of green chemistry, contributing to the further development of environmentally friendly biocatalytic processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Enzyme Engineering and Biocatalysis in China)
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15 pages, 4859 KiB  
Article
Functionalized Coal Fly Ash Is an Efficient Catalyst for Synthesizing Furfural from Xylose at a Low Catalyst Load
by Mengling Li, Ye Wang, Lin Liu, Yanan Gao, Zhanyun Gao and Liping Zhang
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1492; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121492 - 5 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1425
Abstract
In this study, coal fly ash was functionalized, using a simple one-step process (loading with Al3+ and sulfonation), to yield a solid acid catalyst (S/Al-CFA) with strong acid sites. The catalyst was then used to produce furfural from xylose in a biphasic [...] Read more.
In this study, coal fly ash was functionalized, using a simple one-step process (loading with Al3+ and sulfonation), to yield a solid acid catalyst (S/Al-CFA) with strong acid sites. The catalyst was then used to produce furfural from xylose in a biphasic system (H2O(NaCl)/tetrahydrofuran). The furfural yield reached 82% at 180 °C–60 min with catalyst/xylose ratio of 0.2:1.0 (w/w). With the reaction completed, all of the components could be effectively separated, and the furfural was 97.6% pure. The cycle and regeneration of the catalyst were evaluated, and the catalyst deactivation mechanism was investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Catalysis)
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16 pages, 4002 KiB  
Article
Catalytic Ozonation of Ethyl Acetate with Assistance of MMn2O4 (M = Cu, Co, Ni and Mg) Catalysts through In Situ DRIFTS Experiments and Density Functional Theory Calculations
by Yulin Sun, Peixi Liu, Yiwei Zhang, Yong He, Yanqun Zhu and Zhihua Wang
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1491; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121491 - 2 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1340
Abstract
Catalytic ozonation, with enhanced efficiency and reduced byproduct formation at lower temperatures, proved to be efficient in ethyl acetate (EA) degradation. In this work, MMn2O4 (M = Cu, Co, Ni, Mg) catalysts were prepared via a redox-precipitation method to explore [...] Read more.
Catalytic ozonation, with enhanced efficiency and reduced byproduct formation at lower temperatures, proved to be efficient in ethyl acetate (EA) degradation. In this work, MMn2O4 (M = Cu, Co, Ni, Mg) catalysts were prepared via a redox-precipitation method to explore the catalytic ozonation mechanism of EA. Among all the catalysts, CuMn exhibited superior catalytic activity at 120 °C, achieving nearly 100% EA conversion and above 90% CO2 selectivity with an O3/EA molar ratio of 10. Many characterizations were conducted, such as SEM, BET and XPS, for revealing the properties of the catalysts. Plentiful active sites, abundant oxygen vacancies, more acid sites and higher reduction ability contributed to the excellent performance of CuMn. Moreover, the addition of NO induced a degree of inhibition to EA conversion due to its competition for ozone. H2O had little effect on the catalytic ozonation of CuMn, as the conversion of EA could reach a stable platform at ~89% even with 5.0 vol.% of H2O. The presence of SO2 usually caused catalyst deactivation. However, the conversion could gradually recover once SO2 was discontinued due to the reactivation of ozone. A detailed reaction mechanism for catalytic ozonation was proposed via in situ DRIFTS measurements and DFT calculations. Full article
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19 pages, 4827 KiB  
Article
Mass Transfer in the Processes of Native Lignin Oxidation into Vanillin via Oxygen
by Valery E. Tarabanko, Konstantin L. Kaygorodov, Aleksandr S. Kazachenko, Marina A. Smirnova, Yulia V. Chelbina, Yury Kosivtsov and Viktor A. Golubkov
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1490; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121490 - 2 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1477
Abstract
The influence of mass transfer intensity on the kinetics of the catalytic oxidation of flax shives with oxygen in alkaline media to aromatic aldehydes and pulp was studied. The process was carried out in two autoclaves, with moderate stirring (stirrer engine of 8 [...] Read more.
The influence of mass transfer intensity on the kinetics of the catalytic oxidation of flax shives with oxygen in alkaline media to aromatic aldehydes and pulp was studied. The process was carried out in two autoclaves, with moderate stirring (stirrer engine of 8 W) and intense stirring (stirrer engine of 200 W). The oxidation of flax shives into vanillin, syringaldehyde, and pulp was shown to proceed as a completely diffusion-controlled process under the studied conditions, both moderate and intense stirring. Depending on the process conditions, it can be limited by stages of oxygen transfer through the diffusion boundary layer near the gas–liquid interface (low intensity of mass transfer) as well as by reagents’ inner diffusion in the porous and solid matter of the flax shive particle (high intensity of mass transfer). The results on the influence of the stirring speed and volume of the reaction mass on the rates of oxygen consumption and vanillin accumulation were obtained. They were described using a known simple model connecting the intensity of mass transfer and the stirring power density in the bulk of the liquid phase in terms of algebra equations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomass Catalysis)
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35 pages, 7530 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Catalyst Design for Carboxylation Using CO2 as the C1 Feedstock
by Sagarkumar Rajendrakumar Shah, Nayan Jyoti Mazumdar, Ander Centeno-Pedrazo, Dhanapati Deka, Nancy Artioli and Haresh Manyar
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1489; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121489 - 30 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3078
Abstract
Carbon dioxide is ideal for carboxylation reactions as a renewable and sustainable C1 feedstock and has significant recognition owing to its low cost, non-toxicity, and high abundance. To depreciate the environmental concentration of CO2, which causes the greenhouse gas effect, developing [...] Read more.
Carbon dioxide is ideal for carboxylation reactions as a renewable and sustainable C1 feedstock and has significant recognition owing to its low cost, non-toxicity, and high abundance. To depreciate the environmental concentration of CO2, which causes the greenhouse gas effect, developing new catalytic protocols for organic synthesis in CO2 utilization is of great importance. This review focuses on carboxylation reactions using CO2 as a C1 feedstock to synthesize value-added functionalized carboxylic acids and their corresponding derivatives via catalytically generated allyl metal intermediates, photoredox catalysis, and electrocatalysis with a focus on recent developments and opportunities in catalyst design for carboxylation reactions. In this article, we describe recent developments in the carboxylation of C–H bonds, alkenes, and alkynes using CO2 as the C1 source for various reactions under different conditions, as well as the potential direction for the further development of CO2 utilization in organic synthesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Catalysis for Sustainable Organic Synthesis, 2nd Edition)
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