Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.8
3.8
Journals
Catalysts
Special Issues
Topical Advisory Panel Members' Collection Series: Biomass Catalytic Conversion
share announcement

Topical Advisory Panel Members' Collection Series: Biomass Catalytic Conversion

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 7273

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sergio Nogales Delgado

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering and Physical Chemistry, University of Extremadura, Avda. De Elvas s/n, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Interests: biomass; biodiesel; biolubricants; oxidative stability; fatty acid methyl esters; catalyst; pyrolysis; gasification
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of biomass catalytic conversion is of paramount importance as the world seeks sustainable and renewable energy sources and solutions to environmental challenges. Biomass, as an abundant and renewable resource, holds great potential for the production of valuable chemicals and fuels.

This Special Issue, titled "Topical Advisory Panel Members' Collection Series: Biomass Catalytic Conversion", will provide a platform to showcase the latest advancements and research in this critical area.

We are looking to collect both original research articles and review papers. This Special Isuse’s scope encompasses various aspects of biomass catalytic conversion, including innovative catalytic systems, process optimization, and in-depth mechanistic studies. We welcome submissions from researchers and scholars worldwide, encouraging the sharing of diverse perspectives and cutting-edge findings to promote further progress in this field and contribute to the development of sustainable technologies.

Dr. Sergio Nogales Delgado
Guest Editor

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

  • biomass conversion
  • catalytic conversion
  • sustainable energy
  • renewable resources
  • platform chemicals
  • biofuels
  • biodiesel
  • gasification

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (9 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

24 pages, 4263 KiB  
Article
Production of Aviation Fuel-Range Hydrocarbons Through Catalytic Co-Pyrolysis of Polystyrene and Southern Pine
by Ayden Kemp, Tawsif Rahman, Hossein Jahromi and Sushil Adhikari
Catalysts 2024, 14(11), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14110806 - 9 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1380
Abstract
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), produced from waste and renewable sources, are a promising means for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions from air travel while still maintaining the quality of air transportation expected. In this work, the catalytic co-pyrolysis of polystyrene and pine with [...] Read more.
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), produced from waste and renewable sources, are a promising means for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions from air travel while still maintaining the quality of air transportation expected. In this work, the catalytic co-pyrolysis of polystyrene and pine with red mud (bauxite residue) and ZSM-5 catalysts at temperatures of 450 °C, 500 °C, and 550 °C was investigated as a method for producing aromatic hydrocarbons with carbon numbers ranging from 7 to 17 for use as additives to blend with SAF produced through other methods to add the required quantity of aromatic molecules to these blends. The maximum yield of kerosene-range aromatic hydrocarbons was 620 mg per gram of feedstock (62% of feedstock was converted to kerosene-range hydrocarbons) obtained at 550 °C in the presence of ZSM-5. Additionally, it was noted that a positive synergy exists between pine and polystyrene feedstocks during co-pyrolysis that cracks solid and liquid products into gaseous products similarly to that of a catalyst. The co-pyrolysis of pine and polystyrene without a catalyst produced on average 17% or 36.3 mg more kerosene-range hydrocarbons than predicted, with a maximum yield of 266 mg of C7–C17 aromatic hydrocarbons per gram of feedstock (26.6% conversion of initial feedstock) obtained at 550 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Advisory Panel Members' Collection Series: Biomass Catalytic Conversion)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3031 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of Nonthermal Plasma and Solid Acid Catalysts in Thermo-Catalytic Glycerol Dehydration
by Lu Liu, Fei Yu, Siqun Wang and Xiaofei Philip Ye
Catalysts 2024, 14(11), 790; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14110790 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 393
Abstract
To enhance the bio-based synthesis of acrolein from glycerol, a hybrid approach combining in situ nonthermal plasma (NTP) with thermo-catalytic dehydration was employed. This study investigated the impact of the reaction temperature and NTP discharge field strength on glycerol conversion, acrolein selectivity, byproduct [...] Read more.
To enhance the bio-based synthesis of acrolein from glycerol, a hybrid approach combining in situ nonthermal plasma (NTP) with thermo-catalytic dehydration was employed. This study investigated the impact of the reaction temperature and NTP discharge field strength on glycerol conversion, acrolein selectivity, byproduct formation, and coke deposition using two catalysts of silicotungstic acid supported on mesoporous alumina and silica. The results revealed that, while the reaction temperature and NTP field strength exhibited complex interactions, the in situ application of NTP markedly improved both glycerol conversion and acrolein selectivity when optimized for specific temperature–NTP field strength combinations. Additionally, the reaction mechanisms of glycerol dehydration with the two catalysts, in the presence and absence of NTP, were systematically analyzed and discussed based on the experimental data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Advisory Panel Members' Collection Series: Biomass Catalytic Conversion)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 4953 KiB  
Article
Oxidation of Geraniol on Vermiculite—The Influence of Selected Parameters on the Oxidation Process
by Sylwia Gajewska, Agnieszka Wróblewska, Anna Fajdek-Bieda, Adrianna Kamińska, Joanna Sreńscek-Nazzal, Piotr Miądlicki and Beata Michalkiewicz
Catalysts 2024, 14(10), 714; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14100714 - 12 Oct 2024
Viewed by 775
Abstract
Geraniol is a compound belonging to the group of monoterpenes that finds many applications in organic syntheses, medicine and cosmetics. The following properties of geraniol and its derivatives are of particular interest in medicine: its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. The geraniol [...] Read more.
Geraniol is a compound belonging to the group of monoterpenes that finds many applications in organic syntheses, medicine and cosmetics. The following properties of geraniol and its derivatives are of particular interest in medicine: its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. The geraniol oxidation process was carried out using a mineral of natural origin—vermiculite. Vermiculite is a catalyst that perfectly fits into modern trends in the organic industry, where the aim is to use cheap, renewable and relatively easily available catalytic materials (vermiculite is found on continents including Africa, North America, South America, Australia and Asia). Preliminary studies on the oxidation process of geraniol on vermiculite was carried out in a glass apparatus using molecular oxygen supplied by means of a bubbler and magnetic stirrer with a heating function. During the oxidation process of geraniol on vermiculite, the influence of the following parameters was examined: the temperature, amount of catalyst and reaction time. The main parameters of the process, on the basis of which the most favorable process conditions were selected, were the selectivity of the transformation to 2,3-epoxygeraniol, citral and 2,3-epoxycitral, and the conversion of geraniol. The composition of the post-reaction mixtures was determined qualitatively and quantitatively using the gas chromatography method. In addition, vermiculite was subjected to instrumental tests, such as XRD, SEM, EDX, FTIR and UV-VIS. Moreover, the specific surface area, pore volume and pore volume distribution were estimated on the basis of N2 sorption at −196 °C and also the acid-site concentration in vermiculite was established. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Advisory Panel Members' Collection Series: Biomass Catalytic Conversion)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 3381 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Algal Oil Extraction and Transesterification Parameters through RSM, PCA, and MRA for Sustainable Biodiesel Production
by Lingdi Tang, Ali Raza Otho, Mahmood Laghari, Abdul Rahim Junejo, Sheeraz Aleem Brohi, Farman Ali Chandio, Sohail Ahmed Otho, Li Hao, Irshad Ali Mari, Jahangeer Dahri and Jamshed Ali Channa
Catalysts 2024, 14(10), 675; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14100675 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 842
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive optimization of algal oil extraction and transesterification for sustainable biodiesel production. Freshwater Spirogyra algae underwent Soxhlet extraction using n-hexane. response surface methodology (RSM), principal component analysis (PCA), and multivariate regression analysis (MRA) were employed to investigate the effects [...] Read more.
This study presents a comprehensive optimization of algal oil extraction and transesterification for sustainable biodiesel production. Freshwater Spirogyra algae underwent Soxhlet extraction using n-hexane. response surface methodology (RSM), principal component analysis (PCA), and multivariate regression analysis (MRA) were employed to investigate the effects of biomass–solvent ratio (BSR), algae particle size (APS), and extraction-contact time (E-CT) on algal oil yield (AOY). The extracted oil was then converted to biodiesel via transesterification, and the impacts of the methanol–oil ratio (MOR) and transesterification-contact time (T-CT) on biodiesel conversion efficiency (BCE) were analyzed. Results demonstrate that optimal BSR, APS, and E-CT for maximal AOY are 1:7, 400 µm, and 3–4 h, respectively. For transesterification, a MOR of 12:1 and a T-CT of 4 h yielded the highest BCE. Predictive models exhibited exceptional accuracy, with R2 values of 0.916 and 0.950 for AOY and BCE, respectively. The produced biodiesel complied with ASTM D6751 and EN 14214, showcasing its potential for renewable energy applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Advisory Panel Members' Collection Series: Biomass Catalytic Conversion)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 5519 KiB  
Article
Biomass-Derived Co/MPC Nanocomposites for Effective Sensing of Hydrogen Peroxide via Electrocatalysis Reduction
by Mei Wang, Jin Cai, Lihua Jiao and Quan Bu
Catalysts 2024, 14(9), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14090624 - 16 Sep 2024
Viewed by 735
Abstract
Utilizing the full potential of reproducible biomass resources is crucial for the sustainable development of humanity. In this study, biochar (MPC) was prepared through the microwave-assisted pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse. Subsequently, Co nanoparticles were introduced by microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment to form a highly [...] Read more.
Utilizing the full potential of reproducible biomass resources is crucial for the sustainable development of humanity. In this study, biochar (MPC) was prepared through the microwave-assisted pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse. Subsequently, Co nanoparticles were introduced by microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment to form a highly dispersive Co/MPC material. Characterization results indicated that Co nanoparticles were wrapped by thin carbon layers and uniformly dispersed on a carbon-based skeleton via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis approach, providing high-activity space. Thus, the prepared material was limited to glassy carbon; on the electrode surface, a cobalt-based sensing platform (Co/MPC/GCE) was built. On the basis of this constructed sensing platform, a linear equation was fitted by the concentration change of current signal I and H2O2. The linear range was 0.55–100.05 mM; the detection limit was 1.38 μM (S/N = 3); and the sensitivity was 103.45 μA cm−2 mM−1. In addition, the effect this sensor had on H2O2 detection of actual water samples was conducted by using a standard addition recovery method; results disclosed that the recovery rate and RSD of H2O2 in tap water samples were 94.0–97.6% and 4.1–6.5%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Advisory Panel Members' Collection Series: Biomass Catalytic Conversion)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 2560 KiB  
Article
Investigation into the Fuel Characteristics of Biodiesel Synthesized through the Transesterification of Palm Oil Using a TiO2/CH3ONa Nanocatalyst
by Cherng-Yuan Lin and Shun-Lien Tseng
Catalysts 2024, 14(9), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14090623 - 16 Sep 2024
Viewed by 845
Abstract
Biodiesel is a renewable and sustainable alternative fuel to petrol-derived diesel. Decreasing the operating costs by improving the catalyst’s characteristics is an effective way to increase the competitiveness of biodiesel in the fuel market. An aqueous solution of sodium methoxide (CH3ONa), [...] Read more.
Biodiesel is a renewable and sustainable alternative fuel to petrol-derived diesel. Decreasing the operating costs by improving the catalyst’s characteristics is an effective way to increase the competitiveness of biodiesel in the fuel market. An aqueous solution of sodium methoxide (CH3ONa), which is a traditional alkaline catalyst, was immersed in nanometer-sized particles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder to prepare the strong alkaline catalyst TiO2/CH3ONa. The immersion method was used to enhance the transesterification reaction. The mixture of TiO2 and CH3ONa was calcined in a high-temperature furnace in a range between 150 and 450 °C continuously for 4 h. The heterogeneous alkaline catalyst TiO2/CH3ONa was then used to catalyze the strong alkaline transesterification reaction of palm oil with methanol. The highest content of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), which amounted to 95.9%, was produced when the molar ratio of methanol to palm oil was equal to 6, and 3 wt.% TiO2/CH3ONa was used, based on the weight of the palm oil. The FAMEs produced from the above conditions were also found to have the lowest kinematic viscosity of 4.17 mm2/s, an acid value of 0.32 mg KOH/g oil, and a water content of 0.031 wt.%, as well as the highest heating value of 40.02 MJ/kg and cetane index of 50.05. The lower catalyst amount of 1 wt.%, in contrast, resulted in the lowest cetane index of 49.31. The highest distillation temperature of 355 °C was found when 3 wt.% of the catalyst was added to the reactant mixture with a methanol/palm oil molar ratio of 6. The prepared catalyst is considered effective for improving the fuel characteristics of biodiesel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Advisory Panel Members' Collection Series: Biomass Catalytic Conversion)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

40 pages, 16582 KiB  
Review
Cold Plasma Techniques for Sustainable Material Synthesis and Climate Change Mitigation: A Review
by Nitesh Joshi and Sivachandiran Loganathan
Catalysts 2024, 14(11), 802; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14110802 - 8 Nov 2024
Viewed by 650
Abstract
In recent years, the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) has increased significantly, contributing to global warming. Among these GHGs, CH4, CO2, and CO are particularly potent contributors. Remediation techniques primarily rely on materials capable of capturing, storing, and converting [...] Read more.
In recent years, the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) has increased significantly, contributing to global warming. Among these GHGs, CH4, CO2, and CO are particularly potent contributors. Remediation techniques primarily rely on materials capable of capturing, storing, and converting these gases. Catalytic processes, particularly heterogeneous catalysis, are essential to chemical and petrochemical industries as well as environmental remediation. Due to the growing demand for catalysts, efforts are being made to reduce energy consumption and make technologies more environmentally friendly. Green chemistry emphasizes minimizing the use of hazardous reactants and harmful solvents in chemical processes. Achieving these principles should be paired with processes that reduce time and costs in catalyst preparation while improving their efficiency. Non-thermal plasma (NTP) has been widely used for the preparation of supported metal catalysts. NTP has attracted significant attention for its ability to improve the physicochemical properties of catalysts, enhancing process efficiency through low-temperature operation and shorter processing times. NTP has been applied to various catalyst synthesis techniques, including reduction, oxidation, metal oxide doping, surface etching, coating, alloy formation, surface treatment, and surface cleaning. Plasma-prepared transition-metal catalysts offer advantages over conventionally prepared catalysts due to their unique material properties. These properties enhance catalytic activity by lowering the activation energy barrier, improving stability, and increasing conversion and selectivity compared to untreated samples. This review demonstrates how plasma activation modifies material properties and, based on extensive literature, illustrates its potential to combat climate change by converting CO2, CH4, CO, and other gases, showcasing the benefits of plasma-treated materials and catalysts. A succinct introduction to this review outlines the advantages of plasma-based synthesis and modification over traditional synthesis techniques. The introduction also highlights the various types of plasma and their physical characteristics across different factors. Additionally, this review addresses methods by which materials are synthesized and modified using plasma. The latter section of this review discusses the use of non-thermal plasma for greenhouse gas mitigation, covering applications such as the dry reforming of CH4, CO and CH4 oxidation, CO2 reduction, and other uses of plasma-modified catalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Advisory Panel Members' Collection Series: Biomass Catalytic Conversion)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

30 pages, 10746 KiB  
Review
Selective Control of Catalysts for Glycerol and Cellulose Hydrogenolysis to Produce Ethylene Glycol and 1,2-Propylene Glycol: A Review
by Jihuan Song, Dan Wang, Qiyuan Wang, Chenmeng Cui and Ying Yang
Catalysts 2024, 14(10), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14100685 - 2 Oct 2024
Viewed by 639
Abstract
The bioconversion of cellulose and the transformation of glycerol can yield various diols, aligning with environmental sustainability goals by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering raw material costs, and promoting sustainable development. However, in the selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to ethylene glycol (EG) [...] Read more.
The bioconversion of cellulose and the transformation of glycerol can yield various diols, aligning with environmental sustainability goals by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering raw material costs, and promoting sustainable development. However, in the selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to ethylene glycol (EG) and 1,2-propylene glycol (1,2-PG), challenges such as low selectivity of catalytic systems, poor stability, limited renewability, and stringent reaction conditions remain. The production of diols from cellulose involves multiple reaction steps, including hydrolysis, isomerization, retro-aldol condensation, hydrogenation, and dehydration. Consequently, the design of highly efficient catalysts with multifunctional active sites tailored to these specific reaction steps remains a significant challenge. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the selective regulation of catalysts for producing EG and 1,2-PG from cellulose and glycerol. It discusses the reaction pathways, process methodologies, catalytic systems, and the performance of catalysts, focusing on active site characteristics. By summarizing the latest research in this field, we aim to offer a detailed understanding of the state-of-the-art in glycerol and cellulose conversion to diols and provide valuable guidance for future research and industrial applications. Through this review, we seek to clarify the current advancements and selective control strategies in diol production from glycerol or cellulose, thereby offering critical insights for future investigations and industrial scale-up. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Advisory Panel Members' Collection Series: Biomass Catalytic Conversion)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

35 pages, 3135 KiB  
Review
The Role of Catalysts in Life Cycle Assessment Applied to Biogas Reforming
by Sergio Nogales-Delgado and Juan Félix González González
Catalysts 2024, 14(9), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14090592 - 3 Sep 2024
Viewed by 651
Abstract
The real implementation of biogas reforming at an industrial scale to obtain interesting products (like hydrogen or syngas) is a developing research field where multidisciplinary teams are continuously adding improvements and innovative technologies. These works can contribute to the proliferation of green technologies [...] Read more.
The real implementation of biogas reforming at an industrial scale to obtain interesting products (like hydrogen or syngas) is a developing research field where multidisciplinary teams are continuously adding improvements and innovative technologies. These works can contribute to the proliferation of green technologies where the circular economy and sustainability are key points. To assess the sustainability of these processes, there are different tools like life cycle assessment (LCA), which involves a complete procedure where even small details count to consider a certain technology sustainable or not. The aim of this work was to review works where LCA is applied to different aspects of biogas reforming, focusing on the role of catalysts, which are essential to improve the efficiency of a certain process but can also contribute to its environmental impact. In conclusion, catalysts have an influence on LCA through the improvement of catalytic performance and the impact of their production, whereas other aspects related to biogas or methane reforming could equally affect their catalytic durability or reusability, with a subsequent effect on LCA. Further research about this subject is required, as this is a continuously changing technology with plenty of possibilities, in order to homogenize this research field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Advisory Panel Members' Collection Series: Biomass Catalytic Conversion)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-9
Back to TopTop