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Structured Mesh-Type Pt/Mn/γ-Al₂O₃/Al Catalyst Enhanced the CO Oxidation at Room Temperature by In Situ Generation of Hydroxyl: Behavior and Mechanism
Process Intensification for CO₂ Hydrogenation to Liquid Fuels
Cobalt-Decorated Carbonized Wood as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Water Splitting
Laccase-Catalyzed Polymerized Natural Bioactives for Enhanced Mushroom Tyrosinase Inhibition
Effect of Support on Complete Hydrocarbon Oxidation over Pd-Based Catalysts

Journal Description

Catalysts

Catalysts is a peer-reviewed open access journal of catalysts and catalyzed reactions published monthly online by MDPI. The Romanian Catalysis Society (RCS) are partners of Catalysts journal and its members receive a discount on the article processing charge.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Inspec, Ei Compendex, CAPlus / SciFinder, CAB Abstracts, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Chemistry, Physical) / CiteScore - Q1 (General Environmental Science )
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 13.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2024).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Journal Cluster of Chemical Reactions and Catalysis: Catalysts, Chemistry, Electrochem, Inorganics, Molecules, Organics, Oxygen, Photochem, Reactions, Sustainable Chemistry.

Impact Factor: 4.0 (2024); 5-Year Impact Factor: 4.0 (2024)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2073-4344

Latest Articles

10 pages, 2895 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Amorphous Co-NiB@NF as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Urea Oxidation Reaction

by Shuai Geng, Bo Hai and Heping Shi

Catalysts 2025, 15(7), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15070612 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2025

Transition metal-based catalysts designed for efficient urea oxidation reactions (UOR) are essential for hydrogen production via urea-assisted water electrolysis. A series of amorphous nickel–cobalt boride catalysts supported on nickel foam were in situ synthesized via a stepwise chemical deposition method (SCDM). The systematic [...] Read more.

Transition metal-based catalysts designed for efficient urea oxidation reactions (UOR) are essential for hydrogen production via urea-assisted water electrolysis. A series of amorphous nickel–cobalt boride catalysts supported on nickel foam were in situ synthesized via a stepwise chemical deposition method (SCDM). The systematic investigation focused on the relationships between synthesis parameters (deposition cycles, reactant feed ratio), morphological characteristics, and UOR performance. Notably, the optimized Co-NiB@NF catalyst exhibits a porous hierarchical architecture composed of metallic nanoparticles encapsulated by surface-wrinkled nanosheets, forming abundant exposed active sites. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that this catalyst requires a low cell potential of 1.29 V to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm⁻². Moreover, it maintains 83% of the initial current density after 10 h of continuous electrolysis, highlighting its superior durability. The structural-property relationship revealed here provides valuable insights into the rational design of efficient amorphous boride catalysts for urea-assisted hydrogen production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Electrocatalysis)

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27 pages, 2644 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biomass-Derived Tar Conversion via Catalytic Post-Gasification in Circulating Fluidized Beds: A Review

by Hugo de Lasa, Nicolas Torres Brauer, Floria Rojas Chaves and Benito Serrano Rosales

Catalysts 2025, 15(7), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15070611 - 20 Jun 2025

Waste biomass gasification can contribute to the production of alternative and environmentally sustainable green fuels. Research at the CREC–UWO (Chemical Reactor Engineering Center–University of Western Ontario) considers an integrated gasification process where both electrical power, biochar, and tar-free syngas suitable for alcohol synthesis [...] Read more.

Waste biomass gasification can contribute to the production of alternative and environmentally sustainable green fuels. Research at the CREC–UWO (Chemical Reactor Engineering Center–University of Western Ontario) considers an integrated gasification process where both electrical power, biochar, and tar-free syngas suitable for alcohol synthesis are produced. In particular, the present review addresses the issues concerning tar removal from the syngas produced in a waste biomass gasifier via a catalytic post-gasification (CPG) downer unit. Various questions concerning CPG, such as reaction conditions, thermodynamics, a Tar Conversion Catalyst (TCC), and tar surrogate chemical species that can be employed for catalyst performance evaluations are reported. Catalyst performance-reported results were obtained in a fluidizable CREC Riser Simulator invented at CREC–UWO. The present review shows the suitability of the developed fluidizable Ni–Ceria γ-alumina catalyst, given the high level of tar removal it provides, the minimum coke that is formed with its use, and the adequate reforming of the syngas exiting the biomass waste gasifier, suitable for alcohol synthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Reaction Engineering)

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19 pages, 2812 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of PdCu Catalyst and the Catalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue and Rhodamine B with PMS

by Wei Wang, Jiaqi Liu, Guang Shi, Shiqi Wu, Nan Zhang and Ruixia Yuan

Catalysts 2025, 15(7), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15070610 - 20 Jun 2025

Spherical Cu₂O nanoparticles were obtained by reducing copper acetate in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) system using glucose as the reducing agent and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as the surfactant, with which spherical PdCu nanocatalysts were thus synthesized by disproportionation. The catalyst was used for the [...] Read more.

Spherical Cu₂O nanoparticles were obtained by reducing copper acetate in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) system using glucose as the reducing agent and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as the surfactant, with which spherical PdCu nanocatalysts were thus synthesized by disproportionation. The catalyst was used for the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and showed an excellent degradation effect on rhodamine B and methylene blue-contained printing and dyeing wastewater with good stability. Additionally, the surface morphology analysis of the catalyst was carried out by SEM and TEM. The structure was characterized by XRD and FT-IR. The valence state and composition of the catalyst were characterized by XPS. The catalytic performance of the prepared catalysts was investigated with methylene blue and rhodamine B used as target pollutants. The results showed that the catalytic reduction efficiency of PdCu nanocatalyst for the two pollutants could reach 99% at 20 °C, when catalyst concentration was 60 mg/L and PMS concentration was 1.0 g/L and 0.6 g/L, respectively. The degradation efficiency of the catalyst was significantly reduced when Cl⁻,

{H C O}_{3}^{-}

and HA were present in the water. The degradation efficiency was above 90% when the pH was in the range of 5–11. The excellent performance of the PdCu/PMS system in the treatment of RhB-contained wastewater was further confirmed by taking into account of the data of free radical quenching experiment and the results of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiment. After three cycles, the removal rate of MB and RhB could still be maintained at more than 90%, which proved its excellent recyclability due to its remarkable stability and efficiency. Full article

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15 pages, 1834 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Metal-Free Graphene/Conjugated Microporous Polymer Mott–Schottky Heterojunctions: A Design Strategy for High-Efficiency, Durable Photocatalysts

by Selsabil Chikhi, Sander Dekyvere, Shuai Li, Chih-Ming Kao and Francis Verpoort

Catalysts 2025, 15(7), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15070609 - 20 Jun 2025

Conjugated microporous polymers (CMP) are advanced photocatalytic systems for degrading organic dyes. However, their potential and efficiency are often limited by rapid electron–hole pair (e⁻/h⁺) recombination. To overcome this limitation, this study proposes a strategy that involves designing a [...] Read more.

Conjugated microporous polymers (CMP) are advanced photocatalytic systems for degrading organic dyes. However, their potential and efficiency are often limited by rapid electron–hole pair (e⁻/h⁺) recombination. To overcome this limitation, this study proposes a strategy that involves designing a Mott–Schottky heterojunction and integrating graphene sheets with a near-zero bandgap into the CMP-1 framework, resulting in a non-covalent graphene/CMP (GCMP) heterojunction composite. GCMP serves two main functions: physical adsorption and photocatalytic absorption that uses visible light energy to trigger and degrade the organic dye. GCMP effectively degraded four dyes with both anionic and cationic properties (Rhodamine B; Nile Blue; Congo Red; and Orange II), demonstrating stable recyclability without losing its effectiveness. When exposed to visible light, GCMP generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), primarily singlet oxygen (¹O₂), and superoxide radicals (^•O₂), degrading the dye molecules. These findings highlight GCMP’s potential for real-world applications, offering a metal-free, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution for wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalytic Materials for Hazardous Wastewater Treatment)

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16 pages, 2225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Alkaline Soil Solution on the Material Characteristics and Photocatalytic Activity of Strontium Titanate Nanomaterials

by Badam Ariya, John Chagu, Karolina Solymos, Tamás Gyulavári, Zsejke-Réka Tóth, Ákos Kukovecz, Zoltán Kónya, Gábor Veréb and Zsolt Pap

Catalysts 2025, 15(7), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15070608 - 20 Jun 2025

The present study aimed to investigate the interaction between strontium titanate photocatalysts and alkaline soil (solonetz) soil solutions. For this purpose, one commercially available and several synthesized strontium titanates were considered. The photocatalytic activity and material characteristics were assessed before and after immersion [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to investigate the interaction between strontium titanate photocatalysts and alkaline soil (solonetz) soil solutions. For this purpose, one commercially available and several synthesized strontium titanates were considered. The photocatalytic activity and material characteristics were assessed before and after immersion in the soil solutions. All samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After interaction with the soil solution, most of the samples became more active for phenol degradation. It was found that the crystalline structure of each sample was preserved, while the primary crystallite sizes decreased after both phenol degradation and immersion in solonetz soil solutions. Moreover, the surface of all synthesized nanostructures was covered by organic residues from either the soil solution or the by-products of phenol degradation. This was also visible from the DR spectra, as an intensive color change was observed. The bandgaps of most samples were also changed, except for the commercial material. The results imply that it is important to investigate the ecofriendly nature of any photocatalytic material, as it tends to influence the surrounding environment. This is important, as solar photocatalysis is rising among the possible methods for water purification and disinfection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmentally Friendly Catalysts for Energy and Water Treatment Applications)

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20 pages, 5155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oxygen Vacancy-Driven Improvement of NH₃-SCR Performance over α-MnO₂: Mechanistic Insights

by Hangmi Wu, Xiaoyu Dai and Jiangling Li

Catalysts 2025, 15(7), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15070607 - 20 Jun 2025

Nitrogen oxides (NO_x), harmful pollutants primarily from fossil fuel combustion, pose significant environmental and health risks. Among mitigation technologies, NH₃-SCR is widely adopted due to its high efficiency and industrial viability. MnO₂-based catalysts, particularly α-MnO₂, [...] Read more.

Nitrogen oxides (NO_x), harmful pollutants primarily from fossil fuel combustion, pose significant environmental and health risks. Among mitigation technologies, NH₃-SCR is widely adopted due to its high efficiency and industrial viability. MnO₂-based catalysts, particularly α-MnO₂, have gained attention for low-temperature NH₃-SCR owing to their redox properties, low-temperature activity, and environmental compatibility. In this study, α-MnO₂ catalysts with tunable oxygen vacancy concentrations were synthesized by varying calcination atmospheres. Compared to α-MnO₂-Air, the oxygen vacancy-rich α-MnO₂-N₂ exhibited stronger acidity, enhanced redox properties, and superior NH₃/NO adsorption and activation, achieving 98% NO conversion at 125–250 °C. Oxygen vacancies promoted NH₃ adsorption on Lewis/Brønsted acid sites, facilitating -NH₂ intermediate formation, while enhancing NO oxidation to reactive nitrates. In situ DRIFTS revealed a dual E-R and L-H reaction pathway, with oxygen vacancies crucial for NO activation, intermediate formation, and N₂ generation. These findings underscore the importance of oxygen vacancy engineering in optimizing Mn-based SCR catalysts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Materials)

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2 pages, 766 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Ma et al. Mesoporous Ce-Ti Catalysts Modified by Phosphotungstic Acid and Chitosan for the Synergistic Catalysis of CVOCs and NOx. Catalysts 2025, 15, 119

by Mingyang Ma, Ruhan Zhang, Yanan Shen, Xin Zhou, Yumeng Zhai, Yumeng Han, Dan Wang, Longjin Zhang, Xinru Song, De Fang and Pijun Gong

Catalysts 2025, 15(7), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15070606 - 20 Jun 2025

There was an error in the original publication [...] Full article

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12 pages, 2545 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Rapid Fabrication of ZSM-5/AlPO₄-5 Composites via Microwave-Ionothermal Strategy for Enhanced Methanol-to-Olefins Catalysis

by Li Han, Mengting Zhang, Hao Li, Huiru Ding, Jingjing Zhao, Yujia Zhang, Lang Wu, Changzhou Jiao, Jie Feng and Zhikun Peng

Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060605 - 19 Jun 2025

Microwave-assisted ionothermal strategies offer an effective pathway for rapid zeolite crystallization under mild conditions, while conventional ionothermal approaches are still constrained by prolonged crystallization cycles that limit their industrial applicability. Herein, we report a microwave-activated, ionic liquid-mediated synthesis strategy that enables the precise [...] Read more.

Microwave-assisted ionothermal strategies offer an effective pathway for rapid zeolite crystallization under mild conditions, while conventional ionothermal approaches are still constrained by prolonged crystallization cycles that limit their industrial applicability. Herein, we report a microwave-activated, ionic liquid-mediated synthesis strategy that enables the precise modulation of crystallization kinetics and composite assembly. By introducing ZSM-5 seeds into the ionic liquid system, the nucleation and growth of AlPO₄-5 were significantly accelerated, reducing crystallization time by up to 75% (optimal condition: 60 min). Among various imidazolium-based ionic liquids, [BMMIm]Br demonstrated an optimal balance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions, yielding composite zeolites with high surface area (350 m²·g⁻¹) and large pore volume (0.28 cm³·g⁻¹). Comprehensive characterization (XRD, SEM-EDX, NH₃-TPD) confirmed the formation of well-defined ZSM-5/AlPO₄-5 core–shell structures and revealed tunable acid site distributions depending on the ionic liquid used. In methanol to olefins (MTO) reactions, the composite catalyst exhibited outstanding selectivity towards light olefins (C₂=–C₄=: 72.84%), markedly outperforming the individual ZSM-5 and AlPO₄-5 components. The superior catalytic behavior is primarily attributed to the synergistic effect of hierarchical acid site tuning and the integrated core–shell architecture, which together optimize reaction selectivity. This strategy provides a promising route for the rational design of high-performance zeolites with significant industrial applicability. Full article

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15 pages, 3020 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Metal Oxide-Modified PES Membranes for Efficient Separation of Oil-in-Water Emulsions and Trace Organic Compounds

by Jinze Li, Wensheng Yang, Yang Xu, Chengfeng Sun, Yingying Zhu and Geng Chen

Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060604 - 19 Jun 2025

The efficient removal of emulsified oil and trace organic pollutants via forward osmosis (FO) technology remains challenging due to limited water flux and membrane fouling. In this study, a series of metal oxide-modified PES-based composite FO membranes were fabricated and systematically evaluated to [...] Read more.

The efficient removal of emulsified oil and trace organic pollutants via forward osmosis (FO) technology remains challenging due to limited water flux and membrane fouling. In this study, a series of metal oxide-modified PES-based composite FO membranes were fabricated and systematically evaluated to compare the effects of ZnO, Al₂O₃, and CuO nanoparticles on membrane structure and separation performance. The results demonstrated that the membrane modified with 0.04 g of ZnO nanoparticles achieved optimal synergy in terms of hydrophilicity, surface charge, and pore structure. The pure water flux increased from 5.48 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹ for the pristine membrane to 18.5 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹ for the ZnO-modified membrane, exhibiting a 237.5% increase in pure water flux compared to the pristine PES membrane, an oil rejection rate exceeding 97%, and over 95% rejection of typical negatively charged trace organic pollutants such as ibuprofen and tetracycline. Moreover, the ZnO-modified membrane showed excellent antifouling performance and structural stability in various organic solvent systems. This study not only optimized the interfacial chemistry and microstructure of the FO membrane but also enhanced pollutant repellence and the self-cleaning capability through increased hydrophilicity and surface negative charge density. These findings highlight the significant potential of ZnO modification for enhancing the overall performance of FO membranes and provide an effective strategy for developing high-performance, broadly applicable FO membranes for complex water purification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Enhancement of Catalytic Performance for Wastewater Treatment)

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11 pages, 1783 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Density Functional Theory Study of Nitrogen Reduction to Ammonia on Bilayer Borophene

by Fuyong Qin

Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060603 - 19 Jun 2025

The N₂ reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions is highly desirable because of its potential to replace the energy-consuming Haber-Bosch process for ammonia production. In recent years, much attention has been devoted to transition metal-based catalysts. However, the development of metal-free electrocatalysts [...] Read more.

The N₂ reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions is highly desirable because of its potential to replace the energy-consuming Haber-Bosch process for ammonia production. In recent years, much attention has been devoted to transition metal-based catalysts. However, the development of metal-free electrocatalysts remains a great challenge. Here, the electrocatalytic performance of bilayer borophene is systematically studied based on first-principles calculations. It was found that bilayer borophene has high activity with an overpotential of 0.21 V via the enzymatic mechanism. Bond elongations of nitrogen bond are observed in end-on and side-on patterns, where the bond lengths are stretched to 1.13 and 1.21 Å, respectively. Around 0.36 e⁻ is transferred to the adsorbed N₂ with the contribution of bottom boron atoms. Our results propose bilayer borophene as a novel metal-free catalyst for nitrogen reduction, thus providing an avenue to explore highly efficient electrocatalysts for ammonia production under ambient conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Computational Catalysis)

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19 pages, 2158 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stability of an Ultra-Low-Temperature Water–Gas Shift Reaction SILP Catalyst

by Ferdinand Fischer, Johannes Thiessen, Wolfgang Korth and Andreas Jess

Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060602 - 18 Jun 2025

For PEM fuel cell operation, high-purity hydrogen gas containing only trace amounts of carbon monoxide is a prerequisite. The water–gas shift reaction (WGSR) is an industrially applied mature operation mode to convert CO with H₂O into CO₂ (making it easy [...] Read more.

For PEM fuel cell operation, high-purity hydrogen gas containing only trace amounts of carbon monoxide is a prerequisite. The water–gas shift reaction (WGSR) is an industrially applied mature operation mode to convert CO with H₂O into CO₂ (making it easy to separate, if necessary) and H₂. Since the WGS reaction is an exothermic equilibrium reaction, low temperatures (below 200 °C) lead to full CO conversion. Thus, highly active ultra-low-temperature WGSR catalysts have to be applied. A homogeneous Ru SILP (supported ionic liquid phase) catalyst based on the precursor complex [Ru(CO)₃Cl₂]₂ has been identified to operate at such low temperature levels. However, in a hydrogen rich atmosphere, transition metal complexes are prone to form nanoparticles (NPs) when dissolved in ionic liquids (ILs). In this article, the behavior of an anionic SILP WGSR catalyst, i.e., [Ru(CO)₃Cl₃]⁻ dissolved in [BMMIM]Cl, in an H₂-rich CO environment is described. The data reveal that during the WGSR, Ru nanoparticles form in the catalyst when very low CO concentrations are reached. The Ru NPs formation has been confirmed by transmission electron microscopy imaging and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Catalysis for Sustainable Energy)

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17 pages, 7661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Calcination Temperature Influence on Physicochemical Properties and Photodegradation Performance of Cu₂O/WO₃/TiO₂

by Jenny Hui Foong Chau, Chin Wei Lai, Bey Fen Leo, Joon Ching Juan, Kian Mun Lee, Irfan Anjum Badruddin, Amit Kumar and Gaurav Sharma

Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060601 - 18 Jun 2025

Photodegradation is a sustainable green technology that has been studied worldwide, especially for wastewater treatment. The calcination temperature has an important impact on the physicochemical properties of the prepared photocatalysts. In this study, a ternary photocatalyst of Cu₂O/WO₃/TiO₂ [...] Read more.

Photodegradation is a sustainable green technology that has been studied worldwide, especially for wastewater treatment. The calcination temperature has an important impact on the physicochemical properties of the prepared photocatalysts. In this study, a ternary photocatalyst of Cu₂O/WO₃/TiO₂ (CWT) was successfully synthesized using an ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal technique, and the calcination temperature was varied from 500 to 800 °C. The characterization outcomes proved that the anatase phase titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in the CWT composite transformed to rutile phase TiO₂ when the calcination temperature reached 700 °C and 800 °C. The surface area of the CWT composite decreased from 35.77 to 8.09 m².g⁻¹ and the particle size of the CWT composite increased from 39.11 to 180.25 nm with an increasing calcination temperature from 500 to 800 °C. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) studies showed the charge-transfer resistance of 208.10 Ω, electron lifetime of 32.48 ms, current density of 1.40 mA.cm⁻², transient photovoltage of 0.53 V, and p-n heterojunction properties for CWT-500. Reactive Black 5 (RB5) was used as the model pollutant to examine the photodegradation performance. The photodegradation rate of CWT-500 was the highest (0.70 × 10⁻² min⁻¹) due to its large surface area, effective separation of photoexcited electron-hole pairs, and low photoexcited charge carrier recombination rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Advancements Towards Nanocomposite Synthesis and Their Potential Application in Photocatalysis, 2nd Edition)

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30 pages, 3527 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advanced Biocatalytic Processes for the Conversion of Renewable Feedstocks into High-Value Oleochemicals

by João H. C. Wancura, Eliane Pereira Cipolatti, Evelin Andrade Manoel, Febri Odel Nitbani, Angie Vanessa Caicedo-Paz, Cassamo Ussemane Mussagy, Tamer M. M. Abdellatief, Ahmad Mustafa and Luigi di Bitonto

Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060600 - 17 Jun 2025

Oleochemicals, which are obtained from vegetable and animal fats and oils, have become indispensable in the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and biofuel industries. Traditionally, they are synthesized using chemical catalysts, a process that is often associated with high energy requirements and a considerable environmental [...] Read more.

Oleochemicals, which are obtained from vegetable and animal fats and oils, have become indispensable in the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and biofuel industries. Traditionally, they are synthesized using chemical catalysts, a process that is often associated with high energy requirements and a considerable environmental impact. Biocatalysis, using enzymes such as lipases, has emerged as a transformative alternative that offers high specificity, environmental friendliness and cost-efficiency. This review comprehensively examines the current state of biocatalysis for oleochemical synthesis, highlighting key reactions such as esterification and transesterification and their integration into industrial processes. A bibliometric analysis uncovers global trends and collaborations, while case studies illustrate cost efficiency and scalability. The article outlines recommendations and future research directions to advance biocatalytic processes. This review is intended to be an important resource for researchers and industries transitioning to sustainable oleochemical production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Enzymatic Processes for Fine Chemicals and Biodiesel)

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15 pages, 19836 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Construction of A NiS/g-C₃N₄ Co-Catalyst-Based S-Scheme Heterojunction and Its Performance in Photocatalytic CO₂ Reduction

by Qianyu Zhao and Hengbo Yin

Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060599 - 17 Jun 2025

NiS nanoparticles were chemically deposited on the surface of g-C₃N₄, in situ, followed by high-temperature calcination to prepare x-NiS/g-C₃N₄ co-catalyst-based S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts. Due to the intrinsic charge accumulation preference on specific crystal planes of g-C [...] Read more.

NiS nanoparticles were chemically deposited on the surface of g-C₃N₄, in situ, followed by high-temperature calcination to prepare x-NiS/g-C₃N₄ co-catalyst-based S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts. Due to the intrinsic charge accumulation preference on specific crystal planes of g-C₃N₄, NiS nanoparticles selectively deposited on its surface and formed a strong interfacial contact, thereby constructing an S-scheme heterojunction with co-catalytic functionality. This structure effectively suppressesd the recombination of electron–hole pairs in the valence band, significantly enhancing the separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers, and thereby improving performance in photocatalytic CO₂ reduction. Compared with pure g-C₃N₄, the x-NiS/g-C₃N₄ photocatalysts exhibit superior CO₂ reduction activity. Among them, the sample with 1.0% NiS loading showed the best performance, achieving CO and CH₄ production rates of 27.34 μmol/g and 13.87 μmol/g, respectively, within 4 h. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalytic Carbon Emission Reduction and Conversion in the Environment)

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15 pages, 2200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Situ DRIFTS Study of Na-Promoted Pt/ZSM5 Catalysts for H₂-SCR

by Stefano Cimino, Elisabetta Maria Cepollaro, Michele Emanuele Fortunato and Luciana Lisi

Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060598 - 17 Jun 2025

Platinum was supported on ZSM5 at loadings from 0.1 to 1 wt% and tested for the Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO with H₂ under excess O₂ in a fixed bed reactor to address the issue of NO_x emission abatement from [...] Read more.

Platinum was supported on ZSM5 at loadings from 0.1 to 1 wt% and tested for the Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO with H₂ under excess O₂ in a fixed bed reactor to address the issue of NO_x emission abatement from H₂-fueled internal combustion engines avoiding the additional devices for urea storage and injection. To reduce the undesired NO oxidation to NO₂, which is activated by platinum at T > 200 °C, the 0.1%Pt/ZSM5 catalyst was further promoted with sodium. 5 wt% loading of Na strongly inhibited the NO oxidation while giving only a limited impact on the H₂-SCR activity. Unpromoted and Na-promoted catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM/EDX, N₂ physisorption, and NH₃-TPD to investigate the morphological, structural, and acid properties; H₂ pulse chemisorption and DRIFTS of CO chemisorption were used to investigate the nature of Pt active species. Steady-state and transient operando DRIFTS experiments under NO+H₂+O₂ flow were employed to identify the adsorbed NO_x species interacting with H₂, and reaction intermediates as a function of the reaction conditions. The formation of ammonium intermediates via the reduction of surface nitrate species, playing a key role in H₂-SCR catalyzed by 0.1Pt/ZSM5, was preserved at low Na load whilst NO₂ formation was largely inhibited. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spectroscopy in Modern Materials Science and Catalysis)

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27 pages, 3586 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Status of Research on Synthesis of α-Keto Acids and Their Esters

by Chen Sun, Kanglin Hou, Xin Liu, Yongming Xu, Faliu Yang and Tianliang Lu

Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060597 - 17 Jun 2025

As multifunctional platform molecules, α-keto acids and their esters hold significant value in pharmaceutical synthesis, functional materials, and metabolic processes. Conventional chemical synthesis routes for these compounds are well-established and efficient but often rely on precious metals, high-pressure conditions, and hazardous reagents, leading [...] Read more.

As multifunctional platform molecules, α-keto acids and their esters hold significant value in pharmaceutical synthesis, functional materials, and metabolic processes. Conventional chemical synthesis routes for these compounds are well-established and efficient but often rely on precious metals, high-pressure conditions, and hazardous reagents, leading to considerable environmental costs. In contrast, catalytic biomass conversion pathways—utilizing renewable feedstocks under mild conditions—offer promising alternatives. However, issues such as catalyst deactivation and undesired side reactions remain to be addressed. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in both traditional chemical and catalytic biomass-based synthesis of α-keto acids and their esters, with a particular emphasis on green synthetic routes derived from renewable resources. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives in the field are briefly discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Biomass Catalytic and Biocatalytic Transformation into Biorefinery Products)

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14 pages, 1297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insights into Ball Milling for the Production of Highly Active Zeolites for Catalytic Cracking of VGO

by Petr Kuznetsov, Vladislav Malyavin and Konstantin Dement’ev

Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060596 - 16 Jun 2025

This research systematically investigates the influence of high-energy ball-milling (BM) parameters on the acidic and textural properties of zeolite Y. Among the BM parameters, the milling time (MT) exerted a more significant influence on the zeolite degradation than milling speed (MS), primarily affecting [...] Read more.

This research systematically investigates the influence of high-energy ball-milling (BM) parameters on the acidic and textural properties of zeolite Y. Among the BM parameters, the milling time (MT) exerted a more significant influence on the zeolite degradation than milling speed (MS), primarily affecting particle size and crystallinity. Milling produced nanozeolites with particle sizes ranging from 210 to 430 nm, and their activity was tested in the catalytic cracking of vacuum gas oil (VGO). The highest catalytic activity was observed for the zeolite with a particle size of 397 nm and a crystallinity of 75.9%: the VGO conversion was 69.0%, and the gasoline fraction yield was 33.9%, compared to the parent zeolite’s 62.7% and 22.1%, respectively. It was found that the activity of milled zeolites in catalytic cracking is determined by the accessibility of acid sites, which can be controlled by forming an optimal micro-mesoporous structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Nanotechnology in Catalysis)

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16 pages, 2588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Removal of a Mixture of Pollutants in Air Using a Pilot-Scale Planar Reactor: Competition Effect on Mineralization

by Ahmed Amin Touazi, Mabrouk Abidi, Nacer Belkessa, Mohamed-Aziz Hajjaji, Walid Elfalleh and Amine Aymen Assadi

Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060595 - 16 Jun 2025

This study investigated the remediation of organic acid pollutants, specifically butyric acid (C₄H₈O) and valeric acid (C₅H₁₀O₂), as well as their binary mixtures in the vapor phase at various ratios. The remediation process [...] Read more.

This study investigated the remediation of organic acid pollutants, specifically butyric acid (C₄H₈O) and valeric acid (C₅H₁₀O₂), as well as their binary mixtures in the vapor phase at various ratios. The remediation process involved the use of a continuous pilot-scale reactor. A TiO₂ catalyst was deposited on glass fiber tissue (GFT) and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation with an intensity of 20 W/m². The main objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the photocatalytic process by oxidizing and mineralizing a mixture of carboxylic acids in a rectangular reactor at pilot scale. This was achieved by calculating the removal efficiency and the selectivity of CO₂ (S_CO2). Each individual compound was treated separately, followed by the treatment of binary mixtures with molar fractions of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75. The concentration of pollutants at the inlet varied between 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/m³, while the flowrate ranged from 2 to 6 m³/h. The obtained results for the removal efficiency of butyric acid, the binary acid mixture (25% butyric acid + 75% valeric acid), and valeric acid were satisfactory, with percentages of 58%, 32%, and 41%, respectively. It is evident that the selectivity toward CO₂ is better for butyric acid compared to valeric acid and the binary carboxylic acid mixture, with values of 43.70%, 33.49%, and 21.96%, respectively, across all concentrations. A simulation model based on mass transfer and catalytic oxidation mechanisms was developed and successfully validated against the experimental data for each pollutant. Reusability tests conducted on the TiO₂ on GFT, both in its initial (clean) state and after 50 h of the photocatalytic treatment of butyric acid, showed a 15% decrease in photocatalytic efficiency. Full article

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13 pages, 3875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Peroxydisulfate Activation via Fe-Doped BiOBr for Visible-Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Paracetamol

by Zhigang Wang, Mengxi Cheng, Qiong Liu and Rong Chen

Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060594 - 16 Jun 2025

Fe-doped BiOBr nanomaterials with varying Fe concentrations were synthesized using a solvothermal method. Paracetamol (APAP) was selected as the target pollutant to evaluate the visible-light-driven peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation performance of the prepared catalysts. Among all samples, 5% Fe-doped BiOBr (5% Fe-BOB) exhibited the [...] Read more.

Fe-doped BiOBr nanomaterials with varying Fe concentrations were synthesized using a solvothermal method. Paracetamol (APAP) was selected as the target pollutant to evaluate the visible-light-driven peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation performance of the prepared catalysts. Among all samples, 5% Fe-doped BiOBr (5% Fe-BOB) exhibited the highest catalytic efficiency, which can completely degrade APAP in 30 min under visible light irradiation. The degradation kinetics of APAP, PDS consumption, and the dominant reactive species in the 5% Fe-BOB/PDS/visible light system were systematically investigated. Results revealed that both photocatalyst dosage and PDS concentration significantly influenced activation efficiency. The primary active species responsible for APAP degradation were identified as photogenerated holes (h⁺) and singlet oxygen (¹O₂). Furthermore, cycling tests and control experiments confirmed that the 5% Fe-BOB/PDS/visible light system maintained high stability and effectively degraded APAP across a wide pH range. This work provides an efficient and stable photocatalytic system for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment through PDS-based advanced oxidation processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocatalysts for the Degradation of Refractory Pollutants, 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 3851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ce/Mn Co-Doping Induces Synergistic Effects for Low-Temperature NH₃-SCR over Ba₂Ti₅O₁₂ Catalysts

by Wei Zhao, Wang Zhao, Haiwen Wang, Dingwen Zhang, Qian Wang, Aijian Wang, Danhong Shang and Qin Zhong

Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060593 - 15 Jun 2025

To develop eco-friendly low-temperature NH₃-SCR catalysts for the non-electric industry, a series of CeMn-modified Ba₂Ti₅O₁₂ catalysts were synthesized using the sol-gel method to achieve denitrification. Activity tests revealed that Ce-Mn-modified Ba₂Ti₅O₁₂ [...] Read more.

To develop eco-friendly low-temperature NH₃-SCR catalysts for the non-electric industry, a series of CeMn-modified Ba₂Ti₅O₁₂ catalysts were synthesized using the sol-gel method to achieve denitrification. Activity tests revealed that Ce-Mn-modified Ba₂Ti₅O₁₂ catalysts exhibit excellent low-temperature denitrification performance with a broad operational temperature window. Characterization through XRD, XPS, BET, NH₃-TPD, and EPR indicated that Ce-Mn modification enhances surface oxygen chemisorption and increases acidity, significantly improving NO_x reduction. Notably, the optimal catalyst achieved NO_x conversion rates exceeding 90% within the temperature range of 90 to 240 °C under a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 28,000 h⁻¹. In particular, the coexistence of Ce and Mn species promotes the oxidation of NO to NO₂, facilitating the “fast SCR” reaction. The abundance of valence states further enhances the catalyst’s ultra-low-temperature NH₃-SCR denitration performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Status and Future Aspects of Bimetallic and Trimetallic Catalysts)

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