Operando probing of the dynamic evolution at nanoscale electrocatalytic interfaces remains challenging for elucidating reaction mechanisms. Here, we propose a fiber-optic electrochemical surface plasmon resonance (FO-eSPR) platform that seamlessly integrates optical and electrical readouts within a miniaturized fiber probe. The catalyst-modified FO-eSPR sensing probe acted as the working electrode, directly driving electrocatalysis on its optical sensing surface. This approach elucidates the synergistic effects of the nanocomposite catalyst, highlighting the mechanisms of electron transfer, charge separation, and molecular adsorption. Optical time-resolved monitoring of SPR wavelength shifts captured the nanoscale dynamic process of molecular adsorption, intermediate evolution, and product desorption during methylene blue (MB) electrocatalytic degradation. Monitoring with the Au/TiO2/reduced graphene oxide (GR)-modified fiber revealed improved MB degradation efficiency of 88% and a reaction rate of 0.0359 min-1. This universal operando strategy offers a powerful tool for correlating nanoscale interfacial dynamics with catalytic function, thereby guiding the rational design of advanced nanomaterials.

Abstract The development of sustainable and multifunctional catalytic systems is of paramount importance in advancing green synthetic methodologies. In this study, a type of novel functional ionic liquids functionalized silica nanocomposites, based on a pyrazolium core, were strategically designed and synthesized. The catalytic efficacy of these nanocomposites was systematically investigated in the one‐pot three-component reaction of aldehydes and malononitrile with 1,3-cyclohexanedione or ethyl acetoacetate, targeting the synthesis of 4H-pyrans. Among the evaluated systems, SiO 2 @PILAlO 2 exhibited superior catalytic activity, affording 89–98% isolated product yields under optimized green conditions using water as the reaction medium. Notably, the catalyst SiO 2 @PILAlO 2 exhibited excellent recyclability, retaining catalytic performance over six successive cycles without observable loss in activity. Compared to conventional catalysts, this method offers significantly shorter reaction times, higher yields, operation at room temperature, and facile recovery with reusability up to six cycles. Thus, this approach provides a practical and eco-friendly for the synthesis of 4H-pyran derivatives. Graphical Abstract

Recent progress on MXene-hematite nanocomposite catalyst for water-splitting applications: Synthesis strategies, synergetic performance, and future perspectives

Sensitive detection of placental growth factor using an aptasensor based on luminol-dissolved oxygen electrochemiluminescence enhanced by nanochannel-confined catalysis.

This paper presents the results of a study on oil sludge processing using high-voltage short-pulse electrohydraulic discharge. The influence of key parameters, such as discharge voltage, capacitor bank capacitance, processing time, electrode gap, and catalyst concentration, on the yield of light and medium petroleum fractions is analyzed. Experiments have shown that the optimal conditions for achieving the maximum fraction yield (up to 36.4%) are: a processing time of 6 minutes, an electrode gap of 10 mm, a capacitor bank capacitance of 0.125 μF, and a nanocomposite catalyst concentration of 1%. It has been established that the use of a catalyst enhances the destruction of high-molecular compounds, while optimization of the electrophysical parameters improves the energy efficiency of the process. The obtained results can be used to develop energy-efficient technologies for oil waste disposal.

Retrievable nanocomposite catalyst comprising magnetite nanocubes, mesoporous silica scaffold, and Pd nanocatalysts for efficient Suzuki reactions and reduction of nitroaromatics

The presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) poses significant health and environmental risks. This study investigates the catalytic oxidation of ethylbenzene (EB) vapor using a silver-impregnated zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (Ag@ZIF-67). The effectiveness of the catalyst in converting EB was evaluated in a continuous-flow fixed-bed reactor. The Ag@ZIF-67 catalyst was synthesized and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The XRD patterns of the synthesized ZIF-67 and Ag@ZIF-67 showed distinct peaks, confirming the successful formation of the sodalite framework. The results indicate that relative humidity (RH) significantly influences performance: at low RH (30%), removal efficiency improved at lower temperatures due to enhanced pollutant transport to active sites. In contrast, high RH (70%) reduced efficiency at temperatures above ≈ 250 °C as water molecules blocked EB access to active sites. Space velocity (SV) was also critical: lower SVs resulted in higher removal efficiency for both 50% (T50) and 90% (T90) conversions of EB. As SV increased, T50 shifted from 97 °C to 111 °C and T90 from 211 °C to 223 °C, indicating decreased efficiency. Higher EB concentrations initially increased removal efficiency at low temperatures, but at higher concentrations active-site saturation occurred, reducing efficiency. For example, increasing the EB concentration raised T50 from 87 °C to 127 °C and T90 from 198 °C to 231 °C, demonstrating a decline in catalyst performance. These findings advance the understanding of metal-organic framework (MOF) based catalysts for VOC control and provide insights for developing air pollution mitigation technologies.

Implementation of nano-catalyst materials into solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrodes to improve performance and stability has been widely studied. Addition of the nano-catalysts into an electrode structure serves to enhance the electrochemical performance of the SOFC by increasing the Triple Phase Boundary (TPB) area, improving redox stabilization, and modifying reaction kinetics of hydrocarbon gases that cause anode degradation due to carbon deposition.Typical Ni-based cermet anodes suffer from anode deactivation due to carbon build up under hydrocarbon flows. Carbon builds up and covers the TPB area which results in poor electrochemical performance. Larger carbon deposits can block pores within the anode microstructure which leads to gas diffusion issues. Carbon buildup also causes mechanical stresses to the electrode due to volumetric changes which can lead to fracture and complete failure of the cell.This work studied nano-catalyst decoration of the Ni-based cermet anodes with catalysts that promote internal reforming to protect against coking. The addition of active metal components and ceramic reforming promoters were investigated. Multi-component systems with several catalysts were also examined. Uniform incorporation of nano-catalyst into the anode microstructure was achieved through a patented liquid phase surfactant assisted process (using various catechol surfactants). Deposition loading densities and distribution of nanoparticles was controlled by altering the surfactant and catalyst solution concentrations.This work defined initial morphology and studied the coarsening/annealing kinetics of nano-catalysts used for enhanced solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) operation. Nano-catalyst depositions were performed on flat single crystal surfaces using a bio-inspired surface modification technique. 3D profiles of the nanoparticles at various coarsening stages were obtained using atomic force microscopy (AFM). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to track the changes in composition. Figure 1 shows AFM imaging of single component cerium oxide and cobalt oxide depositions on flat single crystal yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ) before and after 24 h of annealing in reducing conditions.Impregnated SOFCs were tested for 200+ h in constant load while operating under high methane fuel streams. Fuel compositions were selected to have high hydrocarbon content to accelerate degradation. Deposition techniques were optimized for multi-component internal reforming catalysts to obtain sustained performance enhancement. Current-voltage-power (I-V-P) measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results were used for evaluation. Post-mortem microstructure and chemistry characterizations were used in analysis.Impregnated SOFCs demonstrated greater than 50% sustained improvement in harsh environments in long-term tests where the anode was subjected to 40% CH4 for 200+ h. Acknowledgements: Work supported by a subcontract under the GE Aerospace’s US DOE- ARPA-E project (DE-AR0001344) entitled “FueL CelL Embedded ENgine (FLyCLEEN)”. Material characterization and imaging work was made possible with the support of the West Virginia University Shared Research Facilities. Figure 1

Enhanced antibiotic degradation and antibiotic resistance gene mitigation by microbial electro-Fenton process with high performance nanocomposite catalyst

MOFs derived Ni-Mn bimetal nano-catalysts with enhanced hydrogen pump effect for boosting hydrogen sorption performance of MgH2

Synergistic mechanisms in Fenton-like reactions: Coal gasification fine slag-loaded Fe-Al LDH catalysts for phenolic wastewater degradation.

Upgrading Bioethanol to a High-Energy-Density Sustainable Fuel over a Novel Bimetallic Nanocomposite Catalyst

Abstract A novel and environmentally sustainable approach has been developed for the efficient one‐pot synthesis of poly‐substitute quinoline analogs using a silver oxide‐graphene oxide (Ag 2 O@GO) nanocomposite catalyst. This multi‐component reaction leverages the synergistic properties of the nanocomposite, which was thoroughly characterized through BET surface area analysis, PXRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, and TGA. The catalyst stands out for its simplicity of preparation, cost‐effectiveness, nontoxicity, and exceptional stability making it an attractive option for sustainable synthesis. Structural confirmation of all target compounds was achieved using 1 H‐NMR, 13 C‐NMR, 15 N‐NMR, and HRMS analyses. The protocol offers significant practical advantages, including mild reaction conditions, high yields (93%–97%), reduced reaction times, and the elimination of chromatographic purification. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrates excellent reusability, maintaining consistent performance over at least seven consecutive cycles without notable loss in activity. By combining efficiency with environmental consciousness, this approach represents a meaningful advancement in green synthetic methodologies, providing a viable alternative to conventional techniques.

Abstract In this research, we report a one‐pot sequential synthesis of novel hybrid isoxazole or isoxazoline‐1,2,3‐triazole compounds in four steps. The synthetic route involves sulfonylation, 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition, azidation, and click reaction. The key feature of this methodology is its environmentally friendly approach, which is highlighted by the use of water as a benign solvent and ultrasound activation to increase the efficiency of the heterogeneous reactions. Additionally, a novel magnetic nanocatalyst was prepared by adsorbing silver(I) on keratin extracted from chicken feathers, which both valorizes biomass and strengthens the eco‐friendly nature of the process. The methodology proved its effectiveness by yielding the final products 6a‐i and 7a‐i with remarkable selectivity and high yields (85%–96%) within a significantly reduced reaction time (2.5h). Moreover, the catalyst demonstrated excellent stability, maintaining its performance over five consecutive cycles, confirming its robustness and reusability. The characterization of the nanocomposite catalyst Fe 3 O 4 @KNPs‐Ag(I) and the final products 6a‐i and 7a‐i has been performed using various analytical methods, including FTIR, XRD, SEM‐EDX, ICP‐OES, TEM, HRTEM, TGA, DSC, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, 19 F NMR, and HRMS.

In industrial processes, catalysts—materials that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed—are essential. The goal of this research was to create two new rhenium-based nanocomposite catalysts that can effectively and sustainably reduce nitroaromatic compounds to aromatic amines in continuous-flow systems. Nitroaromatic hydrocarbons (NACs), widely used in manufacturing pharmaceuticals, insecticides, and herbicides, often contaminate soil and water, posing significant environmental and health risks. However, their reduction to aromatic amines enables potential industrial reuse. In this study, we synthesized two nanocomposite catalysts based on a copolymer functionalized with N-methyl-D-glucamine, embedded with rhenium (Re)-based apparent nanoparticles, and used them to reduce the NACs in continuous-flow mode to their aromatic amines using newly designed and stereolithographic (SLA) 3D-printed reactors. Advanced characterization techniques were employed to evaluate their structure, morphology, and catalytical performance. Catalyst 1, prepared from a self-modified Purolite D4869 resin and characterized by higher Re loading, exhibited superior conversion rates in batch mode (k1 up to 1.406 s−1). In contrast, Catalyst 2, based on a commercial NMDG-functionalized Dowex resin with a mesoporous structure, demonstrated remarkable stability and catalytic capacity under continuous flow (up to 1.383 mmolNAC mLcat−1). Overall, Catalyst 1 was found to be better suited for rapid batch reactions, whereas Catalyst 2 was found to be more appropriate for long-term flow applications, offering a sustainable route for the efficient conversion of nitroaromatic compounds into valuable aromatic amines. The reactors enabled the efficient conversion of NACs into aromatic amines while enhancing process sustainability and efficiency.

The catalytic activation of small molecules is an excellent approach for scientific and technological developments. The production of green hydrogen and fine chemicals through water splitting and carbon dioxide fixation, respectively, is highly effective and eco-friendly; it can meet the requirements for energy economy and sustainability. Transition metal-derived nanomaterials are considered very efficient catalysts. Herein, we developed a metal oxides@carbon (NCC) nanocomposite derived from a bimetallic (Ni/Co) MOF as a multifunctional catalyst. The NCC catalyst was successfully investigated for CO2 fixation, oxygen evolution, and hydrogen evolution reactions. The NCC nanocomposite catalyst shows a noticeable CO2 cycloaddition to epoxide efficiency of 74–99.9% at 50–100 °C under 1.97 atm in 24 h. NCC exhibits low overpotentials (η10) for an alkaline (1 M KOH) medium OER and HER, i.e., 310 and 200 mV with Tafel slopes of 76 and 117 mV dec−1, respectively. Similarly, for an acidic (0.1 M H2SO4) medium HER, η10 = 118 mV and Tafel slope = 47 mV dec−1. High electron conductivity with very low charge transfer resistance is observed (Rct/Ω = 0.55 for the OERalkaline, 8.13 for the HERalkaline, and 0.824 for the HERacidic). Bulk electrolysis revealed stable performance for 10–15 h at η10 in each case without any major changes in the structural morphology of NNC. These results show the synergy of the active sites for achieving superior catalytic properties, presenting NCC as a suitable candidate for sustainable energy applications.

Synthesis of Ag and Pt-loaded g-C3N4 nanocomposite catalysts for improved Hydrogen evolution reaction

CCD design and optimization of a novel sandwich type polyoxometalate inorganic/organic nanocomposite catalyst for efficient and sustainable photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization

Enhanced phenol degradation in wastewater using non-thermal plasma coupled with NiO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite catalyst

Exploitation of the reaction of hydrogen with oxygen as an energy source requires energy storage and conversion devices, such as metal-air batteries and fuel cells, which, in turn, require the development of low-cost materials with high electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions (HER/OER).o develop highly efficient, bifunctional HER/OER electrocatalysts, the imidazole-substituted benzimidazole precursor 3 was used to synthesize a cobalt(II)-MOF (ZIF-9). Synthesized ZIF-9 was used as a sacrificial precursor, where the pyrolysis temperature and Co doping of the benzimidazole framework were tuned. Composites of ZIF-9 with boron carbon nitride (BCN) and graphene oxide (rGO) on carbon cloth (CC), denoted as ZIF-9 + BCN + rGO/CC, were prepared by varying the amounts of BCN and rGO in a ratio of 1:1, respectively, immobilized on the electrode surfaces. The nanocomposite catalysts were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The efficacy of the composite electrocatalysts as the working electrode for electrochemical water electrolysis via hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions was evaluated by using spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The composite catalyst ZIF-9 + BCN + rGO/CC exhibited impressive performance, indicated by the overpotential, onset potential, and Tafel values in 1 M KOH electrolyte at a scan rate of 5 mV and overpotential of 10 mA cm-2. ZIF-9 + BCN + rGO/CC afforded η10 values of less than -222 mV (HER) and 374 mV (OER). The Tafel values were 39 mV/dec (HER) and 73 mV/dec (OER). The ZIF-9 + BCN + rGO/CC catalyst showed remarkable stability for approximately 50 h and was durable in basic media for both the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. ZIF-9 + BCN + rGO/CC as a cathode and anode catalyst exhibited excellent performance in terms of overall electrocatalysis, superior to that of state-of-the-art catalysts.