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Efficient Catalytic CO2 Chemical Fixation

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 5767

Special Issue Editors

College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
Interests: CO2 capture and conversion; fischer–tropsch synthesis; heterogeneous catalysis; hydrogenation; catalytic oxidation

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Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China
Interests: efficient utilization of carbon resources; chemical process simulation & techno-economic analysis; synthesis of hierarchical zeolites & acid catalysis; vapor-liquid equilibrium of complex system
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague,

Over the past few centuries, the heavy use of fossil fuels has brought large amounts of CO2 emissions, which cause severe environmental issues, such as global warming and climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has pointed out that the world would have to achieve carbon neutrality by early mid-century to limit global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels. This being the case, it is vital to find deep decarbonization methods. The scientific community has proposed two feasible options, namely carbon capture and storage (CCS) as well as carbon capture and utilization (CCU). Additionally, the most promising routes for CO2 mitigation are those that use catalysts and chemical processes for valorization. By applying specific catalysts and suitable operating conditions, CO2 molecules react with other components to form longer chains (i.e., hydrocarbons). Accordingly, efforts should be made to catalytically valorize CO2 (alone or being co-fed with syngas) as an alternative way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and obtain high-value fuels and chemicals.

The topics of interest for this Special Issue may include but are not limited to, catalyst design and catalytic processes for CO2 conversion, such as thermocatalytic, electrocatalytic, and photocatalytic processes. The submission of original articles, systematic reviews, short communications, and other types of articles on related topics is welcome. All manuscripts will follow standard journal peer review practices, and those accepted for publication will appear in the “Efficient Catalytic CO2 Chemical Fixation” Special Issue. We look forward to receiving your contributions to the Special Issue.

Dr. Lei Wang
Dr. Chundong Zhang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • carbon capture
  • CO2 sequestration
  • CO2 chemical fixation
  • catalytic conversion
  • syngas
  • CCU

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 5649 KiB  
Article
Bi/CeO2–Decorated CuS Electrocatalysts for CO2-to-Formate Conversion
by Qi Wang, Tianshuang Bao, Xiangchuan Zhao, Yue Cao, Jun Cao, Qiaoling Li and Weimeng Si
Molecules 2024, 29(13), 2948; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29132948 - 21 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1027
Abstract
The electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction reaction (CO2RR) is extensively regarded as a promising strategy to reach carbon neutralization. Copper sulfide (CuS) has been widely studied for its ability to produce C1 products with high selectivity. However, challenges [...] Read more.
The electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction reaction (CO2RR) is extensively regarded as a promising strategy to reach carbon neutralization. Copper sulfide (CuS) has been widely studied for its ability to produce C1 products with high selectivity. However, challenges still remain owing to the poor selectivity of formate. Here, a Bi/CeO2/CuS composite was synthesized using a simple solvothermal method. Bi/CeO2–decorated CuS possessed high formate selectivity, with the Faraday efficiency and current density reaching 88% and 17 mA cm−2, respectively, in an H-cell. The Bi/CeO2/CuS structure significantly reduces the energy barrier formed by OCHO*, resulting in the high activity and selectivity of the CO2 conversion to formate. Ce4+ readily undergoes reduction to Ce3+, allowing the formation of a conductive network of Ce4+/Ce3+. This network facilitates electron transfer, stabilizes the Cu+ species, and enhances the adsorption and activation of CO2. Furthermore, sulfur catalyzes the OCHO* transformation to formate. This work describes a highly efficient catalyst for CO2 to formate, which will aid in catalyst design for CO2RR to target products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Catalytic CO2 Chemical Fixation)
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17 pages, 6240 KiB  
Article
Hydrogen Production by Steam Reforming of Ethanol and Dry Reforming of Methane with CO2 on Ni/Vermiculite: Stability Improvement via Acid or Base Treatment of the Support
by Hanane Mahir, Abdellah Benzaouak, Farah Mesrar, Adnane El Hamidi, Mohamed Kacimi, Luca Consentino and Leonarda Francesca Liotta
Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2575; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112575 - 30 May 2024
Viewed by 763
Abstract
In this study, vermiculite was explored as a support material for nickel catalysts in two key processes in syngas production: dry reforming of methane with CO2 and steam reforming of ethanol. The vermiculite underwent acid or base treatment, followed by the preparation [...] Read more.
In this study, vermiculite was explored as a support material for nickel catalysts in two key processes in syngas production: dry reforming of methane with CO2 and steam reforming of ethanol. The vermiculite underwent acid or base treatment, followed by the preparation of Ni catalysts through incipient wetness impregnation. Characterization was conducted using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM–EDS, FTIR, and temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR). TG-TD analyses were performed to assess the formation of carbon deposits on spent catalysts. The Ni-based catalysts were used in reaction tests without a reduction pre-treatment. Initially, raw vermiculite-supported nickel showed limited catalytic activity in the dry reforming of methane. After acid (Ni/VTA) or base (Ni/VTB) treatment, vermiculite proved to be an effective support for nickel catalysts that displayed outstanding performance, achieving high methane conversion and hydrogen yield. The acidic treatment improved the reduction of nickel species and reduced carbon deposition, outperforming the Ni over alkali treated support. The prepared catalysts were also evaluated in ethanol steam reforming under various conditions including temperature, water/ethanol ratio, and space velocity, with acid-treated catalysts confirming the best performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Catalytic CO2 Chemical Fixation)
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Review

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31 pages, 11767 KiB  
Review
Development of Multifunctional Catalysts for the Direct Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Higher Alcohols
by Yun Chen, Jinzhao Liu, Xinyu Chen, Siyao Gu, Yibin Wei, Lei Wang, Hui Wan and Guofeng Guan
Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2666; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112666 - 4 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1365
Abstract
The direct hydrogenation of greenhouse gas CO2 to higher alcohols (C2+OH) provides a new route for the production of high-value chemicals. Due to the difficulty of C-C coupling, the formation of higher alcohols is more difficult compared to that of [...] Read more.
The direct hydrogenation of greenhouse gas CO2 to higher alcohols (C2+OH) provides a new route for the production of high-value chemicals. Due to the difficulty of C-C coupling, the formation of higher alcohols is more difficult compared to that of other compounds. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the development of multifunctional catalysts, including noble metal catalysts, Co-based catalysts, Cu-based catalysts, Fe-based catalysts, and tandem catalysts for the direct hydrogenation of CO2 to higher alcohols. Possible reaction mechanisms are discussed based on the structure–activity relationship of the catalysts. The reaction-coupling strategy holds great potential to regulate the reaction network. The effects of the reaction conditions on CO2 hydrogenation are also analyzed. Finally, we discuss the challenges and potential opportunities for the further development of direct CO2 hydrogenation to higher alcohols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Catalytic CO2 Chemical Fixation)
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29 pages, 8879 KiB  
Review
Research Progress of Non-Noble Metal Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Methanation
by Yingchao Cui, Shunyu He, Jun Yang, Ruxing Gao, Kehao Hu, Xixi Chen, Lujing Xu, Chao Deng, Congji Lin, Shuai Peng and Chundong Zhang
Molecules 2024, 29(2), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020374 - 11 Jan 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2114
Abstract
The extensive utilization of fossil fuels has led to a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, resulting in various environmental issues. To reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate CO2 emissions, it is important to explore alternative methods of utilizing CO [...] Read more.
The extensive utilization of fossil fuels has led to a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, resulting in various environmental issues. To reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate CO2 emissions, it is important to explore alternative methods of utilizing CO2 and H2 as raw materials to obtain high-value-added chemicals or fuels. One such method is CO2 methanation, which converts CO2 and H2 into methane (CH4), a valuable fuel and raw material for other chemicals. However, CO2 methanation faces challenges in terms of kinetics and thermodynamics. The reaction rate, CO2 conversion, and CH4 yield need to be improved to make the process more efficient. To overcome these challenges, the development of suitable catalysts is essential. Non-noble metal catalysts have gained significant attention due to their high catalytic activity and relatively low cost. In this paper, the thermodynamics and kinetics of the CO2 methanation reaction are discussed. The focus is primarily on reviewing Ni-based, Co-based, and other commonly used catalysts such as Fe-based. The effects of catalyst supports, preparation methods, and promoters on the catalytic performance of the methanation reaction are highlighted. Additionally, the paper summarizes the impact of reaction conditions such as temperature, pressure, space velocity, and H2/CO2 ratio on the catalyst performance. The mechanism of CO2 methanation is also summarized to provide a comprehensive understanding of the process. The objective of this paper is to deepen the understanding of non-noble metal catalysts in CO2 methanation reactions and provide insights for improving catalyst performance. By addressing the limitations of CO2 methanation and exploring the factors influencing catalyst effectiveness, researchers can develop more efficient and cost-effective catalysts for this reaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Catalytic CO2 Chemical Fixation)
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