Effect of the Modification of Catalysts on the Catalytic Performance, 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 7863

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Romanian Academy, “Ilie Murgulescu” Physical Chemistry Institute, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: fractal theory; catalytic and photocatalytic reaction; mono and bimetallic nanoparticles synthesis by alkaline polyol method; oxidation of C1-C4 aliphatic hydrocarbons on simple and doped oxides; oxidative coupling of methane on rare earth oxides; Selective catalytic reduction of nitrates and nitrites in the liquid phase; catalytic oxidation of ammonia nitrogen with ozone in water; modified catalysts and their fractal properties
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Romanian Academy, “Ilie Murgulescu” Physical Chemistry Institute, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: catalysis; kinetics of gas-solid interaction; catalytic synthesis; lower olefin (C3–C4) oxidation on multicomponent oxide catalysts; semiconductor properties of oxide catalysts; AC in situ electrical conductivity measurements on catalytic systems; dynamics of the lattice oxygen in oxide catalysts for selective oxidation catalysis; synthesis of well-defined mono/bimetallic nanoparticles supported; photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds in water
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Romanian Academy, “Ilie Murgulescu” Physical Chemistry Institute, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: surface science; fractal theory; adsorption mechanism; modelling gases adsorption and desorption from metal-supported catalysts; applying fractal theory to characterize surfaces; modelling adsorption on fractal surfaces; computing fractal dimension from micrographs (TEM, SEM, AFM, STM); growth surfaces and computing the time and spatial scaling exponents using the variable scaling method
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A great challenge in the field of catalysis is the synthesis of catalysts with enhanced catalytic activity, selectivity, and durability. The structural and compositional complexity of the catalytic system requires a strong systematic approach to elucidate the nature of the catalyst’s active sites. A catalytic active site is a mono- or polyatomic entity with a specific electronic surface configuration, able to generate a catalytic act (adsorption, dissociation of reactant molecules, and desorption of reaction products).

In-depth knowledge of the composition, structure, and nature of active sites provides the possibility of tailoring the catalytic properties in order to improve catalytic performance (activity and selectivity). Such properties that can be targeted by synthesis are controlled porosity, sintering, resistance, large specific surface area, optimal acid–base properties, lattice vacancies, metal–support interaction, catalyst design, conductivity, etc.

Therefore, the change in catalyst properties leads to modified kinetic parameters (reaction rate, activation energy) and the reaction mechanism.

Improving catalytic performance by modifying catalysts should play an important role in the current global situation by reducing the negative impact on the environment and supporting the sustainable use of natural resources.

The purpose of this issue is to present state-of-the-art strategies for modifying catalysts, aiming to provide an important contribution to the development of research in this area from both practical and theoretical perspectives.

We aim to gain a better understanding of catalytic systems, facilitating the establishment of correlations between composition and physical–chemical properties and performance.

Original research papers and topical reviews are welcome in this Special Issue of Catalysts. Submit your paper and select the Journal Catalysts and the Special Issue “Effect of the Modification of Catalysts on the Catalytic Performance, 2nd Edition” via the MDPI submission system. Please contact the Guest Editor or the journal editor ([email protected]) for any queries. Our papers will be published on a rolling basis, and we will be pleased to receive your submission once you have finished it.

Dr. Florica Papa
Dr. Anca Vasile
Dr. Gianina Dobrescu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • catalytic performance
  • catalyst
  • synergetic effect
  • modification of catalysts
  • selectivity
  • catalyst synthesis
  • reaction mechanism
  • catalytic activity

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 5834 KiB  
Article
Hydrogen-Ignited-Methanol Catalytic Co-Combustion of Aromatic Volatile Organic Compounds over PdPt/Al2O3 Bimetallic Catalyst
by Sehrish Munsif, Lutf Ullah, Long Cao, Palle Ramana Murthy, Jing-Cai Zhang and Wei-Zhen Li
Catalysts 2024, 14(9), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14090637 - 19 Sep 2024
Viewed by 600
Abstract
Electric heating is frequently employed to treat volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through catalytic combustion. However, it is associated with problems such as slow heating, high energy consumption, and low efficiency. This study explores PdPt/Al2O3 catalysts for igniting methanol (MeOH) through [...] Read more.
Electric heating is frequently employed to treat volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through catalytic combustion. However, it is associated with problems such as slow heating, high energy consumption, and low efficiency. This study explores PdPt/Al2O3 catalysts for igniting methanol (MeOH) through H2 catalytic combustion, providing internal on-site heating of catalyst active sites. It also investigates VOCs’ abatement using H2-ignited-MeOH combustion without H2 and external heating. Bimetallic catalysts enhance activity and reduce thermal aging. Hydrogen gas (H2) can initiate the MeOH combustion at room temperature with the addition of very small amounts, even below its low explosive limit of 4%. This process optimizes MeOH ignition at approximately 350 °C, even when the concentration of H2 is as low as 0.01%. This method enhances combustion kinetics, converting MeOH and VOCs into CO2 and water. Catalytic performance is independent of PdPt nanoparticle sizes in fresh and spent catalysts, represented in XRD and STEM. Using hydrogen as an igniting agent provides a clean, effective method to initiate catalytic reactions, addressing traditional challenges and enhancing VOCs’ decomposition efficiency. Full article
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18 pages, 4620 KiB  
Article
Fractal Behavior of Nanostructured Pt/TiO2 Catalysts: Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation
by Anca Vasile, Gianina Dobrescu, Veronica Bratan, Mircea Teodorescu, Cornel Munteanu, Irina Atkinson, Catalin Negrila, Florica Papa and Ioan Balint
Catalysts 2024, 14(9), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14090619 - 13 Sep 2024
Viewed by 696
Abstract
The fractal characterization of supported nanoparticles is a useful tool for obtaining structural and morphological information that strongly impacts catalytic properties. We have synthesized and characterized Pt supported on TiO2 nanostructures. Triblock copolymers with thermosensitive properties were used as templating agents during [...] Read more.
The fractal characterization of supported nanoparticles is a useful tool for obtaining structural and morphological information that strongly impacts catalytic properties. We have synthesized and characterized Pt supported on TiO2 nanostructures. Triblock copolymers with thermosensitive properties were used as templating agents during the synthesis process. In addition to the several techniques used for the characterization of the materials, we carried out fractal analysis. The prepared materials showed a reduction in the band gap of TiO2 from 3.44 to 3.01 eV. The extended absorption in the 500–700 nm regions is mostly attributed to the presence of supported Pt nanoparticles. The ability of the nanostructured Pt/TiO2 catalysts to generate H2 in an aqueous solution was evaluated. The test reaction was carried out in the presence of methanol, as a hole scavenger, under simulated solar light. Pt/TiO2-3TB shows the highest rate of H2 (4.17 mmol h−1 gcat−1) when compared to Pt/TiO2-0TB (3.65 mmol h−1 gcat−1) and Pt/TiO2-6TB (2.29 mmol h−1 gcat−1) during simulated solar light irradiation. Pt/TiO2-3TB exhibits a more structured organization (fractal dimensions of 1.65–1.74 nm at short scales, 1.27–1.30 nm at long scales) and a distinct fractal behavior. The generation of hydrogen via photocatalysis can be linked to the fractal characteristics. Full article
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15 pages, 62227 KiB  
Article
Effect of pH on Microstructure and Catalytic Oxidation of Formaldehyde in MnO2 Catalyst
by Wenrui Zhang, Meilu Hao, Yonghui Wang, Pengfei Sun, Dongjuan Zeng, Xinya Wang and Peng Liang
Catalysts 2023, 13(3), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13030490 - 28 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2082
Abstract
Layered δ-MnO2 catalysts were prepared using the one-step redox method in precursor solutions with five different pH values (pH = 7, 9, 11, 13, and 14). The effects of pH on the physical properties and catalytic activity of the catalyst were investigated [...] Read more.
Layered δ-MnO2 catalysts were prepared using the one-step redox method in precursor solutions with five different pH values (pH = 7, 9, 11, 13, and 14). The effects of pH on the physical properties and catalytic activity of the catalyst were investigated through XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, XPS, H2-TPR, and HCHO degradation tests at room temperature. The results showed that the layer spacing, manganese vacancy content, Mn4+/Mn3+ ratio, and surface-reactive oxygen species content of MnO2 increased with the increase in pH value in the alkaline range. When the catalyst was prepared at pH = 13, the above characteristics of the catalyst reached the optimal value which contributed to the high catalytic activity. Combined with the related characterization results, it was proved that changing the pH can affect the degree of oxidation in the catalyst synthesis process, increase the number of active oxygen and the oxygen mobility of the catalyst, and effectively improve the catalytic activity of the manganese dioxide catalyst for HCHO. This work represents a giant step toward the preparation of an effective catalyst for practical applications of HCHO removal at room temperature at a low concentration and high velocity. Full article
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13 pages, 3878 KiB  
Article
The Pincer Ligand Supported Ruthenium Catalysts for Acetylene Hydrochlorination: Molecular Mechanisms from Theoretical Insights
by Xingtao Wang, Jiangshan Zhao, Yongwang Li, Xubin Zhang, Fumin Wang, Botao Wu and Tian Wang
Catalysts 2023, 13(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13010031 - 24 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1946
Abstract
Pincer ligand supported RuII chloride complexes may be used for acetylene hydrochlorination as non-mercury molecular catalysts. Based on theoretical calculations, the catalytic mechanism and the interaction between catalysts and reactants has been evaluated, indicating that the (pincer)RuIICl2 platform supports [...] Read more.
Pincer ligand supported RuII chloride complexes may be used for acetylene hydrochlorination as non-mercury molecular catalysts. Based on theoretical calculations, the catalytic mechanism and the interaction between catalysts and reactants has been evaluated, indicating that the (pincer)RuIICl2 platform supports electrophilic proton-ruthenation of C2H2. Energy decomposition studies further illustrate the electron-rich property of the RuII center, which can increase the negative charge of C2H2 via 4d-electron backdonation. Thus, the electrophilic reaction mechanism is favored due to lower energetic barriers. By improving the electron-donating ability of ligands, this lowering of energetic barriers can be enhanced. Therefore, non-mercury catalysts for acetylene hydrochlorination with milder reaction conditions and higher catalytic activity can be designed. Full article
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Review

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15 pages, 4007 KiB  
Review
A Review of Ozone Decomposition by a Copper-Based Catalyst
by Guojun Ma, Jian Guan, Qiuyi Zhu, Yishan Jiang, Ning Han and Yunfa Chen
Catalysts 2024, 14(4), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14040264 - 16 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1658
Abstract
The threat of ozone in indoor spaces and other enclosed environments is receiving increasing attention. Among numerous ozone catalytic decomposition technologies, copper catalytic material has a superior performance and relatively low cost, making it one of the ideal catalyst materials. This review presents [...] Read more.
The threat of ozone in indoor spaces and other enclosed environments is receiving increasing attention. Among numerous ozone catalytic decomposition technologies, copper catalytic material has a superior performance and relatively low cost, making it one of the ideal catalyst materials. This review presents the recent Cu catalyst studies on ozone decomposition, particularly morphological design, the construction of heterostructures, and monolithic catalyst design used to improve their performance. Moreover, this review proposes further improvement directions based on Cu materials’ inherent limitations and practical needs. On this basis, in the foreseeable future, Cu materials will play a greater role. Full article
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