Catalytic Technology Research Articles

Recent Developments in Catalytic CO2‐to‐Ethanol Conversion Technologies

AbstractThis review provides a comprehensive overview of current progress in catalytic technologies for converting CO2 to ethanol, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. A range of methodologies is explored, including thermodynamic analysis, thermocatalytic, electrocatalytic, and photocatalytic approaches, while discussing fundamental reaction mechanisms and catalyst design strategies. Significant advancement has been made in the thermocatalytic hydrogenation of CO2, with mixed metal and metal oxide catalysts achieving selectivities exceeding 90%. However, challenges remain in optimizing catalyst performance for enhanced selectivity and conversion rates. Electrocatalytic reduction offers a promising pathway, focusing on alkaline electrolytes and innovative catalyst designs such as Cu/Au and Al‐Cu/Cu2O. Meanwhile, photocatalytic systems harness solar energy, with various novel photocatalysts showing potential for high efficiency. This review aims to elucidate the current landscape and future perspectives on CO2‐to‐ethanol conversion technologies, highlighting their potential role in sustainable energy solutions.

Photo(electro)catalytic Water Splitting for Hydrogen Production: Mechanism, Design, Optimization, and Economy

As an energy carrier characterized by its high energy density and eco-friendliness, hydrogen holds a pivotal position in energy transition. This paper elaborates on the scientific foundations and recent progress of photo- and electro-catalytic water splitting, including the corresponding mechanism, material design and optimization, and the economy of hydrogen production. It systematically reviews the research progress in photo(electro)catalytic materials, including oxides, sulfides, nitrides, noble metals, non-noble metal, and some novel photocatalysts and provides an in-depth analysis of strategies for optimizing these materials through material design, component adjustment, and surface modification. In particular, it is pointed out that nanostructure regulation, dimensional engineering, defect introduction, doping, alloying, and surface functionalization can remarkably improve the catalyst performance. The importance of adjusting reaction conditions, such as pH and the addition of sacrificial agents, to boost catalytic efficiency is also discussed, along with a comparison of the cost-effectiveness of different hydrogen production technologies. Despite the significant scientific advancements made in photo(electro)catalytic water splitting technology, this paper also highlights the challenges faced by this field, including the development of more efficient and stable photo(electro)catalysts, the improvement of system energy conversion efficiency, cost reduction, the promotion of technology industrialization, and addressing environmental issues.

Immobilisation of zero-valent silver-decorated jujube activated carbon (Ag0/JAC) on polyester fabric for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

ABSTRACT Heterogeneous catalytic technology is highly effective for pollutant degradation, but achieving recyclability remains a critical challenge. In this study, a recyclable Ag/AC photocatalyst coating was developed on polyester fabric using a dip-coating method, where polyester fabric served as a support due to its adaptability, durability, handling ease and enhanced pollutant adsorption. This research focuses on the immobilisation in-situ of Ag nanoparticles on jujube kernel activated carbon (JAC) modified polyester fabric (Ag/JAC@PEF) for the reduction n of 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP). The process involves coating the fabrics (PEF) with jujube kernel activated carbon through sonication. The produced Ag, JAC@PET, and Ag/JAC@PEF have been characterised utilising various physicochemical methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transformed Infra-Red (FTIR), trans mission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption – desorption isotherms. Catalytic tests revealed that the coated fabrics exhibited excellent catalytic performance for the reduction of 4-NP. All coated fabrics successfully facilitated the reduction of 4-NP using NaBH4 as the reducing agent. Among them, the 10%Ag/5%JAC@PET sample, with a 6 cm2 surface area, exhibited the highest catalytic efficiency, achieving a reduction rate constant of 1.2457 min− 1 and nearly 98% removal within 60 minutes. This high performance is attributed to the favourable combination and close contact between Ag0 and AC in the catalyst, as well as the porous structure of the polyester fabric, which facilitated pollutant adsorption while providing recovery potential. Additionally, the Ag/JAC@PEF catalyst exhibited exceptional stability over several reaction cycles using a 6 cm2 surface area and 10% silver nanoparticles. This study highlights the potential of polyester fabric-based coatings for practical applications in catalyst recovery.

Selective In Situ Analysis of Hepatogenic Exosomal microRNAs via Virus-Mimicking Multifunctional Magnetic Vesicles.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a common clinical problem with urgent respect to demanding early diagnosis. Exosomal miRNAs are reliable and noninvasive biomarkers for the early diagnosis of DILI. However, accurate and feasible detection of exosomal miRNAs is often hampered by the low abundance of miRNAs, inefficient exosome separation techniques, and the requirement for RNA extraction from large sample volumes. Here, the multifunctional magnetic vesicles are constructed by loading a multiple signal amplification detection system and magnetic nanoparticles into virus-mimicking engineered vesicles to achieve in situ analysis of hepatogenic exosomal miRNAs, which do not require miRNA extraction or target amplification. Virus-mimicking engineered vesicles carrying large surface proteins of hepatitis B virus are designed to achieve the specific identity and fusion of hepatogenic exosomes, and the multiple signal amplification detection system assembled by catalytic hairpin assembly technology and CRISPR/Cas13a technology can achieve highly sensitive in situ detection of miRNAs in exosomes with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 1.25×102 particles·µL-1. This novel nanoplatforms open a promising avenue for the early clinical diagnosis of DILI.

Mesoporous Ce-Ti Catalysts Modified by Phosphotungstic Acid and Chitosan for the Synergistic Catalysis of CVOCs and NOx

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) are major environmental pollutants, posing severe risks to human health and ecosystems. Traditional single-component catalysts often fail to remove both pollutants efficiently, making synergistic catalytic technologies a critical research focus. In this study, a mesoporous HPW-CS-Ce-Ti oxide catalyst, modified with H3PW12O40 (HPW) and chitosan (CS), was synthesized via self-assembly. The optimized 10HPW-CS-Ce0.3-Ti catalyst achieved nearly 100% NO conversion at 167–288 °C and a T90 of 291 °C for CVOC conversion, demonstrating superior dual-pollutant removal. HPW and chitosan facilitated mesoporous structure formation, enhancing mass transfer and active site availability. HPW doping also modulated the Ce4+/Ce3+ ratio, boosting redox capacity and surface-active oxygen species, while increasing acidity to promote NH3 and CVOC adsorption. This study presents a novel catalyst and synthesis method with significant potential for environmental protection and human health.

Enhanced Ciprofloxacin Ozonation Degradation by an Aqueous Zn-Cu-Ni Composite Silicate: Degradation Performance and Surface Mechanism

This study investigates the environmental significance of ciprofloxacin as an emerging contaminant and the need for effective degradation methods. The chemical coprecipitation method was used in this study to prepare the Zn-Cu-Ni composite silicate, serving as a heterogeneous ozonation catalyst. The catalytic activity was then evaluated by degrading ciprofloxacin (CIP). Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, and Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) were used to characterize the Zn-Cu-Ni composite silicate. The catalyst had a high surface area (308.137 m2/g), no regular morphology, and a particle size of 7.6 µm and contained Si-O-Si, Ni-O-Si, and Zn-O-Si. The results showed that the CIP degradation and mineralization rates (pH 7.0, CIP 3.0 mg/L, Ozone 1.5 mg/L) were significantly enhanced in the presence of the Zn-Cu-Ni composite silicate. The CIP and total organic carbon (TOC) removal rates were increased by 51.09% and 18.72%, respectively, under optimal conditions, compared with ozonation alone. The adsorption of Zn-Cu-Ni composite silicate, ozone oxidation, and ·OH oxidation synergistically promoted the efficient removal of CIP. This study provides valuable catalytic ozone technology for degradation of antibiotics in wastewater to reduce environmental pollution with potential practical applications.

Enhancing Ammonia Synthesis and CO Hydrogenation to Methanol via Nonthermal Plasma Catalysis: A Focus on Catalyst Pore Structure and Active Site Design

The increasing energy demand, climate change and sustainable development necessitate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources (such feedstock and energy). Green hydrogen is one of the key components in sustainable energies/fuels being crucial for reducing carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. However, hydrogen storage and transportation are challenging, and chemical hydrogen storage reactions such as ammonia synthesis and CO2 hydrogenation (to methanol) are considered promising solutions. Nonthermal plasmas (NTPs) are partially ionized gases with various energetic species, which are produced under ambient conditions being able to facilitate efficient chemical reactions under mild conditions. Importantly, NTP technologies can theoretically utilize green electricity produced by renewable energies (such as solar and wind) showing significant low-carbon potential. Previous studies have shown the catalysts design has an important impact on the performance of catalytic reactions under NTP conditions, and hence this aspect deserves attention. Here this mini review comments on the application of NTP catalytic technologies in ammonia synthesis and CO2 hydrogenation to methanol, with a special focus on catalyst pore structure and active site design. The critical summary and perspective can serve as the most current snapshot of the relevant research fields in NTP technologies, helping their further development.

Comparative analysis of the efficiency of catalytic methane pyrolysis technology for hydrogen production based on DEA method

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the efficiency of methane pyrolysis technologies and various catalysts using the DEA method. The study is based on an extensive set of experimental data obtained under laboratory conditions. Application of DEA method allowed to identify key factors affecting the pyrolysis process performance, including costs, process parameters and catalyst properties. Particular attention is paid to the role of catalysts in the methane pyrolysis process. Highly efficient catalysts show significant increases in reaction rate and decreases in energy costs. The DEA method allowed the identification of key factors affecting process efficiency, including the choice of catalyst carrier, temperature conditions and composition of active components. The analysis revealed that catalyst stability and its ability to maintain high activity over the reaction time were particularly important for industrial applications. The results of the analysis allowed us to evaluate the relative efficiency of each catalyst and identify the most optimal combinations of reaction conditions. It was found that catalysts with high nickel content (more than 80%) on Al₂O₃ carrier show the highest efficiency at about 750 ℃, achieving high values of methane conversion and hydrogen yield. SiO₂ based catalysts show high initial activity, but tend to deactivate or carbonize with time, which in turn markedly reduces their efficiency in long-term processes. The results highlight the importance of optimal catalyst composition and reaction conditions to improve the efficiency and economic viability of the methane pyrolysis process. The study demonstrates the potential of DEA method as a tool for comprehensive assessment and optimization of technological processes of hydrogen production and emphasizes the prospects for further development and implementation of methane pyrolysis technology in industrial hydrogen production as a component of the transition to low-carbon energy production.

Coal mine methane utilization: environmental friendly catalytic technology for sustainable development

Coal mine methane utilization: environmental friendly catalytic technology for sustainable development

Recent Advances of the Effect of H2O on VOC Oxidation over Catalysts: Influencing Factors, Inhibition/Promotion Mechanisms, and Water Resistance Strategies.

Water vapor is a significant component in real volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exhaust gas and has a considerable impact on the catalytic performance of catalysts for VOC oxidation. Important progress has been made in the reaction mechanisms of H2O and water resistance strategies for VOC oxidation in recent years. Despite advancements in catalytic technology, most catalysts still exhibit low activity under humid conditions, presenting a challenge in reducing the adverse effects of H2O on VOC oxidation. To develop water-resistant catalysts, understanding the mechanistic role of H2O and implementing effective water-resistance strategies with influencing factors are imperative. This Perspective systematically summarizes related research on the impact of H2O on VOC oxidation, drawing from over 390 papers published between 2013 and 2024. Five main influencing factors are proposed to clarify their effects on the role of H2O. Five inhibition/promotion mechanisms of H2O are introduced, elucidating their role in the catalytic oxidation of various VOCs. Additionally, different kinds of water resistance strategies are discussed, including the fabrication of hydrophobic materials, the design of specific structures and morphologies, and the introduction of additional elements for catalyst modification. Finally, scientific challenges and opportunities for enhancing the design of efficient and water-resistant catalysts for practical applications in VOC purification are highlighted.

Experimental investigation of benzyl alcohol premixing effect on 5E concepts of compression ignition engine powered with lemongrass oil – diesel blend using response surface methodology

The corrected abstract is as follows.This article aims to study the benzyl alcohol premixing effect on the 5E concept of compression ignition engines powered with a lemongrass oil-diesel blend. The central composite approach is used to create the experimental matrix for the load (50–100%) and benzyl alcohol premixing ratio (0–20%). The experiment uses a computerized compression ignition, water-cooled, single-cylinder, naturally aspirated, four-stroke engine. The statistical model is tested using analysis of variance and confirmed at the 95% confidence level. Quadratic and linear models are created, and regression equations provide surface plots to analyse load–premixing ratio interaction on output response. Premixing of benzyl alcohol at 20% at maximum loads confirms 31.09%, 14.95%, 31.09%, 39.91%, 17.26%, 11.06%, 7.59%, 36.61%, and 4.34% higher enviroeconomic loss, thermal efficiency, brake-specific carbon dioxide, brake-specific nitrogen monoxide, cooling water exergy, sustainability index, volumetric efficiency, and exhaust gas temperature. It also has lower exergoeconomic loss, thermoeconomic loss, brake-specific energy consumption, brake-specific carbon monoxide, smoke opacity, brake-specific hydrocarbon fuel exergy, exhaust gas exergy, destructed exergy, and entropy generation by 23.64%, 30.4%, 17.50%, 13.6%, 81.30%, 18.1%, 27.77%, and 27.77%, respectively. It is necessary to control nitrogen monoxide using exhaust gas recirculation or selective catalytic reduction technology in future work.

Behavior, mechanisms, and applications of low-concentration CO2 in energy media.

This review explores the behavior of low-concentration CO2 (LCC) in various energy media, such as solid adsorbents, liquid absorbents, and catalytic surfaces. It delves into the mechanisms of diffusion, adsorption, and catalytic reactions, while analyzing the potential applications and challenges of these properties in technologies like air separation, compressed gas energy storage, and CO2 catalytic conversion. Given the current lack of comprehensive analyses, especially those encompassing multiscale studies of LCC behavior, this review aims to provide a theoretical foundation and data support for optimizing CO2 capture, storage, and conversion technologies, as well as guidance for the development and application of new materials. By summarizing recent advancements in LCC separation techniques (e.g., cryogenic air separation and direct air carbon capture) and catalytic conversion technologies (including thermal catalysis, electrochemical catalysis, photocatalysis, plasma catalysis, and biocatalysis), this review highlights their importance in achieving carbon neutrality. It also discusses the challenges and future directions of these technologies. The findings emphasize that advancing the efficient utilization of LCC not only enhances CO2 reduction and resource utilization efficiency, promoting the development of clean energy technologies, but also provides an economically and environmentally viable solution for addressing global climate change.

A review of chemical kinetic mechanisms and after-treatment of amino fuel combustion.

Ammonia is a highly promising carbon-neutral fuel. The use of ammonia as a fuel for internal combustion engines can reduce fossil energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the high ignition energy required for ammonia and the slow flame propagation rate result in low combustion efficiency when ammonia is used directly in internal combustion engines. The combination of ammonia with highly reactive fuels improves combustion quality and increases efficiency. However, the combustion of these combined fuels generates particulate matter, CO, hydrocarbon, and significant amounts of NOx. Therefore, pollutant emissions must be reduced through after-treatment technologies. In this paper, a series of combustion and post-treatment challenges faced by amino fuel combustion in internal combustion engines are extensively discussed and the combustion reaction mechanisms of different amino fuels are also analyzed. The paper then reviews five key technologies applicable to the reprocessing of amino fuels, including selective catalytic reduction, selective catalytic reduction filter technology, electrochemical methods for NOx removal, direct catalytic decomposition of N2O, and ammonia sliding catalysts. An in-depth discussion of the catalytic materials and reaction mechanisms involved in these technologies is also provided in this paper. Finally, the paper summarizes the main technical challenges that must be addressed for the future application of amino fuels in internal combustion engines. These discussions can serve as an essential reference for developing and applying critical technologies for combustion control and pollutant treatment of amino fuels.

Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of waste cooking oil into green diesel range hydrocarbons: From batch to continuous processing

Green diesel produced via hydrodeoxygenation of oil and fat waste has emerged as a cleaner, higher quality product with better cold flow properties than traditional biodiesel. The development of non-sulfided catalysts for this process has attracted the attention of the research community. In this work, we demonstrate the potential of Mo2C catalysts supported on carbon nanofiber (CNF) in the HDO of used cooking oil. The effect of Mo loading and reaction temperature was analysed following an integrated approach: firstly, the catalyst performance was studied using stearic acid as a model compound in a batch reactor; then, the catalytic performance was evaluated in a trickled-bed reactor using waste cooking oil as feedstock. We demonstrated that the HDO of used cooking oil with Mo2C/CNF based catalysts was possible, obtaining high yields (86 mol %) to hydrocarbons in the range of green diesel. It was also stated that the direct HDO route was favoured over decarboxylation/decarbonylation routes. The catalytic performance obtained with different Mo containing catalyst was successfully correlated with the characterization results. The results gathered in this work represent a step forward in the use of Mo carbide catalysts in HDO processes and may pave the way for the deployment of this catalytic technology.

Recent advances in low-temperature nitrogen oxide reduction: effects of electric field application.

This article presents a review of catalytic processes used at low temperatures to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and nitrous oxide (N2O), which are exceedingly important in terms of their environmental impacts on the Earth. With conventional purification technologies, it has been difficult to remove these compounds under low-temperature conditions. By applying a catalytic process in an electric field for the three reactions of three-way catalysts (TWC), NOx storage reduction catalysts (NSR), and direct decomposition of N2O, we have achieved high catalytic activity even at low temperatures. By promoting ion migration on the catalyst surface, we have filled in the gaps in conventional catalytic technology and have opened the way to more efficient conversion of NOx and N2O.

A perspective on field-effect in energy and environmental catalysis.

The development of catalytic technologies for sustainable energy conversion is a critical step toward addressing fossil fuel depletion and associated environmental challenges. High-efficiency catalysts are fundamental to advancing these technologies. Recently, field-effect facilitated catalytic processes have emerged as a promising approach in energy and environmental applications, including water splitting, CO2 reduction, nitrogen reduction, organic electrosynthesis, and biomass recycling. Field-effect catalysis offers multiple advantages, such as enhancing localized reactant concentration, facilitating mass transfer, improving reactant adsorption, modifying electronic excitation and work functions, and enabling efficient charge transfer and separation. This review begins by defining and classifying field effects in catalysis, followed by an in-depth discussion on their roles and potential to guide further exploration of field-effect catalysis. To elucidate the theory-structure-activity relationship, we explore corresponding reaction mechanisms, modification strategies, and catalytic properties, highlighting their relevance to sustainable energy and environmental catalysis applications. Lastly, we offer perspectives on potential challenges that field-effect catalysis may face, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding and future direction for this emerging area.

Combined Catalytic Conversion of NOx and VOCs: Present Status and Prospects

This article presents a comprehensive examination of the combined catalytic conversion technology for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are the primary factors contributing to the formation of photochemical smog, ozone, and PM2.5. These pollutants present a significant threat to air quality and human health. The article examines the reaction mechanism and interaction between photocatalytic technology and NH3-SCR catalytic oxidation technology, highlighting the limitations of the existing techniques, including catalyst deactivation, selectivity issues, regeneration methods, and the environmental impacts of catalysts. Furthermore, the article anticipates prospective avenues for research, underscoring the necessity for the development of bifunctional catalysts capable of concurrently transforming NOx and VOCs across a broad temperature spectrum. The review encompasses a multitude of integrated catalytic techniques, including selective catalytic reduction (SCR), photocatalytic oxidation, low-temperature plasma catalytic technology, and biological purification technology. The article highlights the necessity for further research into catalyst design principles, structure–activity relationships, and performance evaluations in real industrial environments. This research is required to develop more efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly waste gas treatment technologies. The article concludes by outlining the importance of collaborative management strategies for VOC and NOx emissions and the potential of combined catalytic conversion technology in achieving these goals.

Research Progress in Catalytic Desorption of Organic Amine CO2 Absorbent Solution

In this paper, the research status of CO2 catalytic desorption regeneration technology in amine absorption system was reviewed. The types, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of heterogeneous catalysts and the challenges faced were introduced in detail, The main factors affecting the desorption and regeneration performance of catalysts were summarized. Finally, the current situation of catalytic desorption regeneration for CO2 capture after combustion was analyzed, and the future research trend was prospected.

High-Entropy Metal-Organic Frameworks and Their Derivatives: Advances in Design, Synthesis, and Applications for Catalysis and Energy Storage.

As a nascent class of high-entropy materials (HEMs), high-entropy metal-organic frameworks (HE-MOFs) have garnered significant attention in the fields of catalysis and renewable energy technology owing to their intriguing features, including abundant active sites, stable framework structure, and adjustable chemical properties. This review offers a comprehensive summary of the latest developments in HE-MOFs, focusing on functional design, synthesis strategies, and practical applications. This work begins by presenting the design principles for the synthesis strategies of HE-MOFs, along with a detailed description of commonly employed methods based on existing reports. Subsequently, an elaborate discussion of recent advancements achieved by HE-MOFs in diverse catalytic systems and energy storage technologies is provided. Benefiting from the application of the high-entropy strategy, HE-MOFs, and their derivatives demonstrate exceptional catalytic activity and impressive electrochemical energy storage performance. Finally, this review identifies the prevailing challenges in current HE-MOFs research and proposes corresponding solutions to provide valuable guidance for the future design of advanced HE-MOFs with desired properties.

Stress calculation and strength verification of desulfurization and denitrification tower based on carbon-based catalytic multi-pollutant control technology

The desulfurization and denitrification tower is the core equipment of the carbon-based catalytic multi-pollutant collaborative control technology. Its design strength ensures the pollutant removal effect and stable operation of the system. This paper used ANSYS finite element analysis software to establish a three-dimensional model of the tower and divided it into high-precision grids. Combined with actual load analysis, calculation and working condition combination, the deformation and stress distribution nephogram of the tower and the membrane stress and bending stress of each component were calculated. The strength check and stress assessment were carried out. When the calculation error is ignored, the overall design strength of the tower meets the requirements, but the stress of the local reinforced beams exceeds the limit. It is recommended to replace the steel with a higher allowable stress value.