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Catalysts
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Advanced Catalysis for Energy and Environmental Applications
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Advanced Catalysis for Energy and Environmental Applications

A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Catalytic Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025 | Viewed by 6002

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Bin Lin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
Interests: electrocatalysis; fuel cells; water electrolysis; photoelectrocatalysis; photosensitive glass-ceramics; catalyst synthesis; catalytic membranes; hydrogen production
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Yat Li

grade E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
Interests: carbon dioxide reduction; alkaline water electrolysis; supercapacitors; photoelectrochemical cell; microbial fuel cell; 3D printing
Prof. Dr. Manashi Nath

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409, USA
Interests: electrocatalysts; water splitting; solar energy conversion; hydrogen and oxygen evolution; nanomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the continuous increase in global energy demand and the escalating prominence of environmental issues, the exploration of efficient, clean, and sustainable solutions for energy utilization and environmental protection has emerged as an urgent mandate for scientists and engineers worldwide. The research and application of advanced catalysts have become particularly crucial at this juncture. This Special Issue of Catalysts aims to cover the advances on commonly used and emerging catalysts in the field of advanced catalysis for energy and environmental applications. We anticipate expediting the practical application of advanced catalysis technologies, making a positive contribution to the establishment of cleaner and more sustainable energy and environmental systems. Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

  1. Advanced catalysis for clean energy production or storage
  2. Advanced catalysis for wastewater purification and treatment
  3. Advanced catalysis for air purification
  4. Advanced catalysis for carbon capture and utilization
  5. Advanced catalysis for biomass energy conversion
  6. Advanced catalysis for pollutant removal
  7. Advanced catalysts for environmental remediation
  8. Advanced catalysts for drug synthesis
  9. Advanced catalysts for food processing

Professionals well-versed in these subjects are warmly encouraged to submit their manuscripts to Catalysts. Significant full original papers and review articles are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Bin Lin
Prof. Dr. Yat Li
Dr. Manashi Nath
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Catalysts is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • advanced catalysts
  • green and clean energy
  • energy storage
  • waste water treatment
  • air purification
  • carbon capture
  • environmental remediation
  • drug synthesis
  • food processing

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 3816 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Fe-N-C Electrocatalysts for PEMFCs: Influence of Constituents and Pyrolysis on Properties and Performance
by Ilias Maniatis, Georgios Charalampopoulos, Fotios Paloukis and Maria K. Daletou
Catalysts 2024, 14(11), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14110780 - 4 Nov 2024
Viewed by 624
Abstract
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are promising alternative technologies with applications in stationary power systems, vehicles, and portable electronics due to their low temperature operation, fast start-up, and environmental advantages. However, the high cost of platinum-based catalysts, in particular for the oxygen [...] Read more.
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are promising alternative technologies with applications in stationary power systems, vehicles, and portable electronics due to their low temperature operation, fast start-up, and environmental advantages. However, the high cost of platinum-based catalysts, in particular for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of the cathode side, prevents their widespread incorporation. Fe-N-C electrocatalysts have emerged as viable alternatives to platinum. In this study, different precursor components were investigated for the way that they affect the pyrolysis process, which is crucial for tailoring the final catalyst properties. In particular, carbon allotropes such as carbon Vulcan, Ketjenblack, and carbon nanotubes were selected for their unique structures and properties. In addition, various sources of iron (FeCl2, FeCl3, and K[Fe(SCN)4]) were evaluated. The influence of the pyrolysis atmosphere on the resulting Fe-N-C catalyst structures was also assessed. Through an integrated structure and surface chemistry analyses, as well as electrochemical tests with rotating disk electrode experiments in acidic media, the ORR performance and stability of these catalysts were defined. By examining the relationships between carbon sources and iron precursors, this research provides valuable information for the optimization of Fe-N-C catalysts in fuel cell applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Catalysis for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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13 pages, 2781 KiB  
Article
Environmentally Friendly Biological Activated Carbon Derived from Sugarcane Waste as a Promising Carbon Source for Efficient and Robust Rechargeable Zinc–Air Battery
by Lianghao Deng, Chenyang Wang, Anqi Xu, Fanglin Zha, Tong Liu, Xuelei Hu and Yao Wang
Catalysts 2024, 14(10), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14100740 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 707
Abstract
China is one of the largest sugarcane industrial countries in the world, and the annual output of bagasse waste is abundant. Classical incineration, landfill, and other treatment methods are inefficient and seriously harmful to the environment, so it is urgent to develop a [...] Read more.
China is one of the largest sugarcane industrial countries in the world, and the annual output of bagasse waste is abundant. Classical incineration, landfill, and other treatment methods are inefficient and seriously harmful to the environment, so it is urgent to develop a new comprehensive utilization of agricultural waste. In this work, the sugarcane waste residue is converted to biological activated carbon (BAC) through a simple pre-carbonization and KOH activation process, which is then mixed with perovskite oxide BaCo0.5Fe0.5O3−δ (BCF) to form BAC/BCF composite air electrode. BAC/BCF assembled rechargeable zinc–air battery (ZAB) exhibits a relatively good output maximum power density of 96 mW·cm−2 and considerable long-term charge–discharge cycle stability over 250 h operation. These results indicate that the BAC derived from sugarcane waste is a promising potential carbon material candidate for ZAB application, which can realize the high-value utilization of agricultural waste in the field of efficient and durable energy storage and conversion devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Catalysis for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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14 pages, 4626 KiB  
Article
Salophen-Type Schiff Bases Functionalized with Pyridinium Halide Units as Metal-Free Catalysts for Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from Carbon Dioxide and Terminal Epoxides
by Aleksandra Kawka, Karol Bester, Agnieszka Bukowska and Wiktor Bukowski
Catalysts 2024, 14(10), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14100658 - 24 Sep 2024
Viewed by 668
Abstract
Objectives: Salophen-type Schiff bases functionalized with 4-(dimethylamino)pyridinium halide units are shown to be effective single-component catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from terminal epoxides and carbon dioxide. Methods: Using one of such trifunctional organocatalysts, epichlorohydrin could be selectively converted to the target [...] Read more.
Objectives: Salophen-type Schiff bases functionalized with 4-(dimethylamino)pyridinium halide units are shown to be effective single-component catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from terminal epoxides and carbon dioxide. Methods: Using one of such trifunctional organocatalysts, epichlorohydrin could be selectively converted to the target cyclic carbonate under 2 bar of CO2 at 120 °C. Results: Over 80% conversion of E3 was then observed when organocatalyst S3 was used in the amount of 0.5 mol% (TON = 156) and even the use of 0.05 mol% S3 guaranteed almost 50% conversion of E3 to C3 (TON = 893). Conclusions: The presence of tertiary amine units in the molecules of these homogeneous organocatalysts proved to be crucial for the catalytic activity of developed organocatalysts. However, their catalytic activity was also supported by the presence of acidic phenolic units and halide ions as Lewis bases. Some closely related compounds were found to be clearly less active or inactive catalytically under the applied reaction conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Catalysis for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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14 pages, 8405 KiB  
Article
Efficient Removal of Methylene Blue Using an Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Polyoxometalate as a Dual-Action Catalyst for Oxidation and Reduction
by Lu Chen, Haowen Cui, Feng Jiang, Lingyan Kong, Baoli Fei and Xiang Mei
Catalysts 2024, 14(9), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14090576 - 29 Aug 2024
Viewed by 830
Abstract
An organic–inorganic hybrid polyoxometalate (POM) CoPMoV [PMoVI8VIV4VV2O42][Co(Phen)2(H2O)]2[TEA]2•H3O•3H2O (Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, TEA = triethylamine) prepared by hydrothermal synthesis was explored as [...] Read more.
An organic–inorganic hybrid polyoxometalate (POM) CoPMoV [PMoVI8VIV4VV2O42][Co(Phen)2(H2O)]2[TEA]2•H3O•3H2O (Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, TEA = triethylamine) prepared by hydrothermal synthesis was explored as a heterogeneous catalysts to remove methylene blue (MB) through Fenton-like reaction and catalytic reduction. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to characterize CoPMoV. The MB removal rates for the Fenton-like reaction and the catalytic reduction were 91.6% (120 min) and 97.5% (2 min), respectively, under optimum conditions. CoPMoV demonstrated excellent stability and recyclability in the Fenton-like reaction and catalytic reduction, which was confirmed by 5 cycle tests. Plausible mechanisms for MB degradation and reduction have also been proposed. Benefiting from the excellent redox properties of cobalt and [PMoVI8VIV4VV2O42]5− anion, CoPMoV could act as a Fenton-like and reductive catalyst for the removal of MB. This study provides a green and facile strategy to design POM-based organic–inorganic material for dye wastewater treatment via oxidation and reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Catalysis for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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11 pages, 2358 KiB  
Article
Tuning a Cr-Catalyzed Ethylene Oligomerization Product Profile via a Rational Design of the N-aryl PNP Ligands
by Samir Barman, E. A. Jaseer, Nestor Garcia, Mohamed Elanany, Motaz Khawaji, Niladri Maity and Abdulrahman Musa
Catalysts 2024, 14(7), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14070441 - 10 Jul 2024
Viewed by 815
Abstract
An approach towards incorporating varied degrees of steric profiles around the ligand’s backbone, which were envisaged to alter the catalytic paths leading to targeted 1-C8/1-C6 olefin products, were explored. Cr-pre-catalysts designed with PNP ligands comprising a fused aryl moiety were [...] Read more.
An approach towards incorporating varied degrees of steric profiles around the ligand’s backbone, which were envisaged to alter the catalytic paths leading to targeted 1-C8/1-C6 olefin products, were explored. Cr-pre-catalysts designed with PNP ligands comprising a fused aryl moiety were delivered at a relatively higher C8 olefin selectivity (up to 74.6 wt% and C8/C6 of 3.4) when the N-connection to the aromatic unit was placed at the 2-position. A relatively higher C6 olefin selectivity (up to 33.7 wt% and C8/C6 of 1.9) was achieved with the PNP unit anchored at the 1- or 6-position. Based on detailed catalytic studies, we confirm the fact that by introducing a controlled degree of bulkiness on the N-site through a judicious selection of the N-aryl moiety of different sizes, the selectivity of the targeted olefin product could be tuned in a rational manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Catalysis for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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Review

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23 pages, 4406 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances on Computational Modeling of Supported Single-Atom and Cluster Catalysts: Characterization, Catalyst–Support Interaction, and Active Site Heterogeneity
by Jiayi Xu, Colton Lund, Prajay Patel, Yu Lim Kim and Cong Liu
Catalysts 2024, 14(4), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14040224 - 28 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1715
Abstract
To satisfy the need for catalyst materials with high activity, selectivity, and stability for energy conversion, material design and discovery guided by theoretical insights are a necessity. In the past decades, the rise in theoretical investigations into the properties of catalyst materials, reaction [...] Read more.
To satisfy the need for catalyst materials with high activity, selectivity, and stability for energy conversion, material design and discovery guided by theoretical insights are a necessity. In the past decades, the rise in theoretical investigations into the properties of catalyst materials, reaction mechanisms, and catalyst design principles has shed light on the catalysis field. Quantitative structure–activity relationships have been developed through incorporating spectroscopic simulations, electronic structure calculations, and reaction mechanistic studies. In this review, we report the state-of-the-art computational approaches to catalyst materials characterization for supported single-atom and cluster catalysts utilizing spectroscopic simulations, i.e., XANES simulation, and material properties investigation via electronic-structure calculations. Furthermore, approaches regarding reaction mechanisms, focusing on active site heterogeneity, are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Catalysis for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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