Next Issue
Volume 11, January
Previous Issue
Volume 10, November
 
 

Catalysts, Volume 10, Issue 12 (December 2020) – 123 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Photocatalytic TiO2-based nanomaterials hold a great promise in the fight against many pathogenic microorganisms that could be effectively inactivated and destroyed in different matrices, including water, air, food, and material surfaces, thus providing new possibly suitable weapons against extremely harmful emerging strains such as the SARS-CoV viruses. View this paper
  • Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
  • You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
  • PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.
Order results
Result details
Section
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
15 pages, 3249 KiB  
Article
Influence of Remaining Acid Sites of an Amorphous Aluminosilicate on the Oligomerization of n-Butenes after Impregnation with Nickel Ions
by Fabian Nadolny, Felix Alscher, Stephan Peitz, Ekaterina Borovinskaya, Robert Franke and Wladimir Reschetilowski
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1487; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121487 - 21 Dec 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2477
Abstract
Highly linear octene isomers can be produced from n-butene on industrial scale by using Ni-containing aluminosilicates as heterogeneous catalysts. These catalysts can be prepared by impregnating an aluminosilicate with a Ni(II) salt solution. This leads to a competition between acid-catalyzed and nickel-catalyzed reactions. [...] Read more.
Highly linear octene isomers can be produced from n-butene on industrial scale by using Ni-containing aluminosilicates as heterogeneous catalysts. These catalysts can be prepared by impregnating an aluminosilicate with a Ni(II) salt solution. This leads to a competition between acid-catalyzed and nickel-catalyzed reactions. In this study it is shown that some octene isomers are exclusively formed via an acid-catalyzed mechanism as a result of methyl group migration at the surface of a mesoporous catalyst. Specifically, the isomers 4,4-dimethylhexene (4,4-DMH) and 3-ethyl-2-methylpentene (3E-2MP) exhibit a systematic correlation compared to the amount of 3,4-dimethylhexene (3,4-DMH) formed at acid sites. By analyzing the ratio of 4,4-DMH and/or 3E-2MP to 3,4-DMH in the product spectrum before and after impregnation with a nickel precursor, the extend of acid site covered by nickel ions can be evaluated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis on Zeolites and Zeolite-Like Materials)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 4884 KiB  
Article
A High-Efficient Carbon-Coated Iron-Based Fenton-Like Catalyst with Enhanced Cycle Stability and Regenerative Performance
by Xin Li, Jiankang Wang, Xiao Zhang, Xianjin Hou, Hongbo Xu, Zhongping Yao and Zhaohua Jiang
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1486; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121486 - 19 Dec 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2181
Abstract
Carbon coated iron-based Fenton-like catalysts are now widely studied in wastewater treatment. However, their poor stability is still a big challenge and the related regenerative performance is seldom investigated. Herein, a carbon-coated Fe3O4 on carbon cloth (cc/Fe3O4 [...] Read more.
Carbon coated iron-based Fenton-like catalysts are now widely studied in wastewater treatment. However, their poor stability is still a big challenge and the related regenerative performance is seldom investigated. Herein, a carbon-coated Fe3O4 on carbon cloth (cc/Fe3O4@C) was prepared with glucose as carbon source via electrodeposition and ethanol solvothermal methods. An amorphous carbon layer with polar C-groups covers the surface of Fe3O4, which presents a flaky cross-linked network structure on the carbon cloth (cc). The cc/Fe3O4@C exhibits an improved catalytic activity with nearly 84% phenol was removed within 35 min with polar C-groups. What’s more, around 80% phenol can still be degraded in 120 min after 14 degradation cycles. After the regeneration treatment, the degradation performance was restored to the level of the fresh in the first two regenerations. The enhanced cycle stability and regeneration performance of the catalyst are as follows: Firstly, the catalyst’s composition and structure were recovered; Secondly, the reduction effect of the amorphous carbon layer ensuring timely supplement of Fe2+ from Fe3+. Also, the carbon layer reduces Fe leaching during the Fenton-like process. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

62 pages, 8071 KiB  
Review
Characteristics and Behavior of Different Catalysts Used for Water Decontamination in Photooxidation and Ozonation Processes
by José Rivera-Utrilla, María Victoria López-Ramón, Manuel Sánchez-Polo, Miguel Ángel Álvarez and Inmaculada Velo-Gala
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1485; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121485 - 19 Dec 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2547
Abstract
The objective of this study was to summarize the results obtained in a wide research project carried out for more than 15 years on the catalytic activity of different catalysts (activated carbon, metal–carbon xerogels/aerogels, iron-doped silica xerogels, ruthenium metal complexes, reduced graphene oxide-metal [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to summarize the results obtained in a wide research project carried out for more than 15 years on the catalytic activity of different catalysts (activated carbon, metal–carbon xerogels/aerogels, iron-doped silica xerogels, ruthenium metal complexes, reduced graphene oxide-metal oxide composites, and zeolites) in the photooxidation (by using UV or solar radiation) and ozonation of water pollutants, including herbicides, naphthalenesulfonic acids, sodium para-chlorobenzoate, nitroimidazoles, tetracyclines, parabens, sulfamethazine, sodium diatrizoate, cytarabine, and surfactants. All catalysts were synthesized and then texturally, chemically, and electronically characterized using numerous experimental techniques, including N2 and CO2 adsorption, mercury porosimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The behavior of these materials as photocatalysts and ozonation catalysts was related to their characteristics, and the catalytic mechanisms in these advanced oxidation processes were explored. Investigations were conducted into the effects on pollutant degradation, total organic carbon reduction, and water toxicity of operational variables and the presence of different chemical species in ultrapure, surface, ground, and wastewaters. Finally, a review is provided of the most recent and relevant published studies on photocatalysis and catalyzed ozonation in water treatments using similar catalysts to those examined in our project. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Photocatalysis)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 1699 KiB  
Article
Influences of Magnesium Content in Rehydrated Mixed Oxides on Furfural Conversion
by Kocík Jaroslav, Kolena Jiří, Akhmetzyanova Uliana and Tišler Zdeněk
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121484 - 19 Dec 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1772
Abstract
In this study, Mg-Fe catalysts with various molar ratio (Mg/Fe 1:1-10:1), prepared by calcination and subsequent rehydration of hydrotalcite structures, were characterized, tested and evaluated as suitable catalysts for the aldol condensation of furfural with acetone. XRD analyses confirmed that the layered structure [...] Read more.
In this study, Mg-Fe catalysts with various molar ratio (Mg/Fe 1:1-10:1), prepared by calcination and subsequent rehydration of hydrotalcite structures, were characterized, tested and evaluated as suitable catalysts for the aldol condensation of furfural with acetone. XRD analyses confirmed that the layered structure was completely restored by rehydration in the catalysts with Mg:Fe molar ratio 3:1 and 4:1. TPD-CO2 showed that the catalysts of this molar ratio had the highest basicity. Rehydrated Mg-Fe catalysts were tested in aldol condensation carried out in a glass batch reactor at 60 °C, atmospheric pressure, 2 wt% of catalyst and acetone/furfural molar ratio 10:1. The catalysts with Mg/Fe molar ratio of 3:1 and 4:1 showed total furfural conversion. As high basicity causes a high activity of the catalyst, our results suggest that the rehydrated mixed oxides with molar ratio 3 to 4:1 were promising new catalysts for the aldol condensation of furfural with acetone. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomass Catalysis)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1612 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Fenton Technology for Recalcitrant Compounds and Bacteria Inactivation
by Pablo Salgado, José Luis Frontela and Gladys Vidal
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1483; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121483 - 19 Dec 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1946
Abstract
In this work, the Fenton technology was applied to decolorize methylene blue (MB) and to inactivate Escherichia coli K12, used as recalcitrant compound and bacteria models respectively, in order to provide an approach into single and combinative effects of the main process variables [...] Read more.
In this work, the Fenton technology was applied to decolorize methylene blue (MB) and to inactivate Escherichia coli K12, used as recalcitrant compound and bacteria models respectively, in order to provide an approach into single and combinative effects of the main process variables influencing the Fenton technology. First, Box–Behnken design (BBD) was applied to evaluate and optimize the individual and interactive effects of three process parameters, namely Fe2+ concentration (6.0 × 10−4, 8.0 × 10−4 and 1.0 × 10−3 mol/L), molar ratio between H2O2 and Fe2+ (1:1, 2:1 and 3:1) and pH (3.0, 4.0 and 5.0) for Fenton technology. The responses studied in these models were the degree of MB decolorization (D%MB), rate constant of MB decolorization (kappMB) and E. coli K12 inactivation in uLog units (IuLogEC). According to the results of analysis of variances all of the proposed models were adequate with a high regression coefficient (R2 from 0.9911 to 0.9994). BBD results suggest that [H2O2]/[Fe2+] values had a significant effect only on D%MB response, [Fe2+] had a significant effect on all the responses, whereas pH had a significant effect on D%MB and IuLogEC. The optimum conditions obtained from response surface methodology for D%MB ([H2O2]/[Fe2+] = 2.9, [Fe2+] = 1.0 × 10−3 mol/L and pH = 3.2), kappMB ([H2O2]/[Fe2+] = 1.7, [Fe2+] = 1.0 × 10−3 mol/L and PH = 3.7) and IuLogEC ([H2O2]/[Fe2+] = 2.9, [Fe2+] = 7.6 × 10−4 mol/L and pH= 3.2) were in good agreement with the values predicted by the model. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3497 KiB  
Article
Study of Ni/Al-Fe Catalyst Stability in the Aqueous Phase Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol
by Raquel Raso, Lucia García, Joaquín Ruiz, Miriam Oliva and Jesús Arauzo
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1482; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121482 - 18 Dec 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1781
Abstract
The present work studied the stability and reusability of Ni/Al-Fe catalyst in the aqueous phase hydrogenolysis of glycerol without external hydrogen addition. The catalyst based on 28 molar % of Ni with 3/1 molar ratio of Al/Fe was prepared through co-precipitation. This catalyst [...] Read more.
The present work studied the stability and reusability of Ni/Al-Fe catalyst in the aqueous phase hydrogenolysis of glycerol without external hydrogen addition. The catalyst based on 28 molar % of Ni with 3/1 molar ratio of Al/Fe was prepared through co-precipitation. This catalyst presented the best performance in our last study which compares several Ni/Al-Fe catalysts with different molar ratios of Al/Fe. To see the influence of the pressurized water on the physicochemical characteristics of Ni/Al-Fe catalyst, a test of up to 9 h has been carried out. Fresh and used catalysts were characterized by various techniques: X-ray Diffraction (XRD), N2-physisorption, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and STEM. Glycerol conversion and carbon yield to gases and liquids did not vary significantly when compared at 3 h and 9 h. Furthermore, the morphology of the catalyst remains stable after continuous recycling under severe hydrothermal conditions. The nickel rich phase of the catalyst, which was determined by XRD and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) techniques, showed a stable size after 9 h under reaction. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 3105 KiB  
Communication
A CO2-Mediated Conjugate Cyanide Addition to Chalcones
by Simon Dotzauer, Gul Barg Hadaf, Fadhil S. Kamounah, Anders Kadziola and Ji-Woong Lee
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1481; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121481 - 18 Dec 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3152
Abstract
Carbon dioxide is an intrinsically stable molecule; however, it can readily react with various nucleophilic reagents. In the presence of a cyanide source, CO2 was proven to be useful to promote addition reactions. Here we report the use of CO2 to [...] Read more.
Carbon dioxide is an intrinsically stable molecule; however, it can readily react with various nucleophilic reagents. In the presence of a cyanide source, CO2 was proven to be useful to promote addition reactions. Here we report the use of CO2 to facilitate 1,4-conjugate cyanide addition reaction to chalcones to generate organonitriles. Nitriles are key component in organic synthesis due to their utility in numerous functional group transformation, however, conjugation addition of cyanide has been a challenge in this substrate class due to side reactions. To mitigate this, we employed simple ammonium and metal cyanide sources as nucleophiles under carbon dioxide atmosphere where high selectivity toward the desired product was obtained. The presented reaction is not feasible under inert atmosphere, which highlights the important role of CO2, as a Lewis and Brøndsted acidic catalyst. Further derivatization of organonitriles compounds were performed to showcase the utility of the reaction, while an unprecedented dimerization reaction was identified and characterized, affording a cyclopentanone scaffold. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Catalytical Technology in South Korea)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4088 KiB  
Article
An Accurate Growth Mechanism and Photocatalytic Degradation Rhodamine B of Crystalline Nb2O5 Nanotube Arrays
by Wei Guo, Libin Yang, Jinghao Lu, Peng Gao, Wenjing Li and Zhiying Feng
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1480; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121480 - 17 Dec 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1975
Abstract
To effectively improve photocatalytic activity, the morphology and crystallinity of semiconductor photocatalysts must be precisely controlled during the formation process. Self-aligned Nb2O5 nanotube arrays have been successfully fabricated using the electrochemical anodization method. A novel growth mechanism of Nb2 [...] Read more.
To effectively improve photocatalytic activity, the morphology and crystallinity of semiconductor photocatalysts must be precisely controlled during the formation process. Self-aligned Nb2O5 nanotube arrays have been successfully fabricated using the electrochemical anodization method. A novel growth mechanism of Nb2O5 nanotubes has been proposed. Starting from the initial oxidation process, the “multi-point” corrosion of fluoride ions is a key factor in the formation of nanotube arrays. The inner diameter and wall thickness of the nanotubes present a gradually increasing trend with increased dissociative fluorine ion concentration and water content in the electrolyte. With dehydroxylation and lattice recombination, the increased crystallinity of Nb2O5 represents a reduction of lattice defects, which effectively facilitates the separation and suppresses the recombination of photo-generated carriers to enhance their catalytic degradation activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms of Photocatalysis)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

9 pages, 24515 KiB  
Article
Redox-Mediated Polymer Catalyst for Lithium-Air Batteries with High Round-Trip Efficiency
by Min-Cheol Kim, Jung Hyun Song, Young-Woo Lee and Jung Inn Sohn
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1479; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121479 - 17 Dec 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2500
Abstract
Lithium-air batteries (LABs) continue to receive attention as a promising power source because they possess a high theoretical energy density of 3436 Wh L−1. However, the remaining Li2O2 resulting from the irreversible decomposition of Li2O2 [...] Read more.
Lithium-air batteries (LABs) continue to receive attention as a promising power source because they possess a high theoretical energy density of 3436 Wh L−1. However, the remaining Li2O2 resulting from the irreversible decomposition of Li2O2 during the charge process is one of the key challenges so as to address the deterioration of the cycling performance of LABs. In this study, we propose and report a redox-mediated polymer catalyst (RPC) as a cathode catalyst being composed of LiI and poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the cathode material. In the RPC, iodine molecules are chemically combined with the PVDF-HFP chain. The as-prepared RPC exhibits increased cycling performance by 194% and decreased overpotential by 21.1% at 0.1 mA cm−2 compared to the sample without LiI molecules. Furthermore, these results suggest that the RPC consisting of a polymer chain and redox mediators will be extensively utilized as highly efficient catalysts of LABs. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 5481 KiB  
Article
Polyoxometalate Template-Based Synthetic Strategy to Prepare Ni, Mo Co-Doped CdS for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution from Water Splitting
by Jiawei Yan, Zhidong Wei, Meiqi Xu, Zhi Jiang and Wenfeng Shangguan
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121478 - 17 Dec 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2294
Abstract
In this work, a novel polyoxometalate template-based strategy was applied to construct the bi-metal-doped CdS photocatalysts. NiMo6 polyoxometalate template precursor was applied for the preparation of Ni, Mo co-doped CdS photocatalysts (NiMo-CdS). The structures of the materials were explored by XRD, SEM, [...] Read more.
In this work, a novel polyoxometalate template-based strategy was applied to construct the bi-metal-doped CdS photocatalysts. NiMo6 polyoxometalate template precursor was applied for the preparation of Ni, Mo co-doped CdS photocatalysts (NiMo-CdS). The structures of the materials were explored by XRD, SEM, HRTEM, HAADF, element mapping, XPS, Raman spectrum and UV-vis DRS. Moreover, the results of the UV-vis spectrum showed that NiMo-CdS exhibited an enhanced performance on light absorption. The results of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water splitting demonstrated that the NiMo-CdS showed higher efficiency on hydrogen evolution than noble-metal Pt-doped CdS. The reason could be ascribed to the enhanced light absorption ability and charge separation after Ni and Mo were introduced, which could also act as co-catalysts. The apparent quantum yield (AQY) efficiency could reach 42% at 365 nm. This work proposed a novel and inexpensive method to synthesize the bi-metal (Ni, Mo) decorated CdS photocatalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution from water splitting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Commemorative Issue in Honor of Professor Akira Fujishima)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 3690 KiB  
Article
Modelling the Sintering of Nickel Particles Supported on γ-Alumina under Hydrothermal Conditions
by Isabelle Champon, Alain Bengaouer, Albin Chaise, Sébastien Thomas and Anne-Cécile Roger
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1477; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121477 - 17 Dec 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2186
Abstract
Sintering of nickel particles is a well-known path of deactivation for Ni/Al2O3 catalysts. Considering the CO2 methanation in the context of Power-to-Gas, a sintering study for up to 300 h was performed in a controlled atmosphere between 450 and [...] Read more.
Sintering of nickel particles is a well-known path of deactivation for Ni/Al2O3 catalysts. Considering the CO2 methanation in the context of Power-to-Gas, a sintering study for up to 300 h was performed in a controlled atmosphere between 450 and 600 °C. Since water is a product of the methanation reaction and is known to favor the particle sintering, the H2O:H2 molar ratio was varied in the range 0–3.2. Characterization of the post mortem samples showed sintering of both nickel and support particles. The absence of carbon oxides in the gas feed allows us to rule out other causes of deactivation such as carbon deposits. A sintering law is derived from the loss of metallic surface area with time-on-stream according to local temperature and H2O:H2 molar ratio. An excellent fit of the experimental data was obtained allowing the prediction of the metallic surface area within 15%. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 14568 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Packing Material Properties on Tars Removal by Plasma Catalysis
by Richard Cimerman, Mária Cíbiková, Leonid Satrapinskyy and Karol Hensel
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121476 - 17 Dec 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2360
Abstract
Plasma catalysis has been utilized in many environmental applications for removal of various hydrocarbons including tars. The aim of this work was to study the tars removal process by atmospheric pressure DBD non-thermal plasma generated in combination with packing materials of various composition [...] Read more.
Plasma catalysis has been utilized in many environmental applications for removal of various hydrocarbons including tars. The aim of this work was to study the tars removal process by atmospheric pressure DBD non-thermal plasma generated in combination with packing materials of various composition and catalytic activity (TiO2, Pt/γAl2O3, BaTiO3, γAl2O3, ZrO2, glass beads), dielectric constant (5–4000), shape (spherical and cylindrical pellets and beads), size (3–5 mm in diameter, 3–8 mm in length), and specific surface area (37–150 m2/g). Naphthalene was chosen as a model tar compound. The experiments were performed at a temperature of 100 °C and a naphthalene initial concentration of approx. 3000 ppm, i.e., under conditions that are usually less favorable to achieve high removal efficiencies. For a given specific input energy of 320 J/L, naphthalene removal efficiency followed a sequence: TiO2 > Pt/γAl2O3 > ZrO2 > γAl2O3 > glass beads > BaTiO3 > plasma only. The efficiency increased with the increasing specific surface area of a given packing material, while its shape and size were also found to be important. By-products of naphthalene decomposition were analyzed by means of FTIR spectrometry and surface of packing materials by SEM analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasma-Catalysis for Environmental and Energy-Related Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 2055 KiB  
Review
Poisoning of SCR Catalysts by Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals
by Luciana Lisi and Stefano Cimino
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121475 - 16 Dec 2020
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5543
Abstract
SCR still represents the most widely applied technique to remove nitrogen oxides from flue gas from both stationary and mobile sources. The catalyst lifetime is greatly affected by the presence of poisoning compounds in the exhaust gas that deactivate the catalysts over time [...] Read more.
SCR still represents the most widely applied technique to remove nitrogen oxides from flue gas from both stationary and mobile sources. The catalyst lifetime is greatly affected by the presence of poisoning compounds in the exhaust gas that deactivate the catalysts over time on stream. The progressive and widespread transition towards bio-derived fuels is pushing research efforts to deeply understand and contrast the deactivating effects of some specific poisons among those commonly found in the emissions from combustion processes. In particular, exhaust gases from the combustion of bio-fuels, as well as from municipal waste incineration plants and marine engines, contain large amounts of alkali and alkaline earth metals that can severely affect the acid, redox, and physical properties of the SCR catalysts. This review analyzes recent studies on the effects of alkali and alkaline earth metals on different types of SCR catalysts divided into three main categories (conventional V2O5-WO3/TiO2, supported non-vanadium catalysts and zeolite-based catalysts) specifically focusing on the impact of poisons on the reaction mechanism while highlighting the different type of deactivation affecting each group of catalysts. An overview of the different regeneration techniques aimed at recovering as much as possible the original performance of the catalysts, highlighting the pros and cons, is given. Finally, current research trends aiming to improve the tolerance towards alkali-poisoning of SCR catalysts are reported. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1164 KiB  
Article
Amino Acid Replacement at Position 228 Induces Fluctuation in the Ω-Loop of KPC-3 and Reduces the Affinity against Oxyimino Cephalosporins: Kinetic and Molecular Dynamics Studies
by Alessandra Piccirilli, Fabrizia Brisdelli, Jean Denis Docquier, Massimiliano Aschi, Sabrina Cherubini, Filomena De Luca, André Matagne, Gianfranco Amicosante and Mariagrazia Perilli
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1474; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121474 - 16 Dec 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1504
Abstract
KPC enzymes are the most common class A carbapenemases globally diffused. The peculiarity of this family of β-lactamases is represented by their ability to hydrolyse all classes of β-lactams, including carbapenems, posing a serious problem to public health. In the present study, seven [...] Read more.
KPC enzymes are the most common class A carbapenemases globally diffused. The peculiarity of this family of β-lactamases is represented by their ability to hydrolyse all classes of β-lactams, including carbapenems, posing a serious problem to public health. In the present study, seven laboratory mutants of KPC-3 (D228S, D228W, D228M, D228K, D228L, D228I and D228G) were generated by site-saturation mutagenesis to explore the role of residue 228, a non-active site residue. Compared to KPC-3, the seven mutants showed evident differences in kcat and Km values calculated for some penicillins, cephalosporins and carbapenems. In particular, D228S and D228M showed a significant increase of Km values for cefotaxime and ceftazidime. Circular dichroism (CD) experiments have demonstrated that substitution at position 228 does not affect the secondary structure of the mutants. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on KPC-3, D228S and D228M uncomplexed and complexed with cefotaxime (substrate). Although the residue 228 is located far from the active site, between α11 helix and β7 sheet in the opposite site of the Ω-loop, amino acid substitution at this position generates mechanical effects in the active site resulting in enzyme activity changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Enzyme Technology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3191 KiB  
Article
Insights into the Pt (111) Surface Aid in Predicting the Selective Hydrogenation Catalyst
by Tianzuo Wang, Lun Pan, Xiangwen Zhang and Ji-Jun Zou
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121473 - 16 Dec 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3294
Abstract
The d-band center position of the metal catalyst is one of the most important factors for catalytic selective hydrogenation, e.g., the conversion of nitrostyrene to aminostyrene. In this work, we modulate the d-band center position of the Pt surface via H coverage manipulation [...] Read more.
The d-band center position of the metal catalyst is one of the most important factors for catalytic selective hydrogenation, e.g., the conversion of nitrostyrene to aminostyrene. In this work, we modulate the d-band center position of the Pt surface via H coverage manipulation in order to assess the highly efficient selective hydrogenation catalyst using density functional theory (DFT) calculation, which is validated experimentally. The optimal transition metal catalysts are first screened by comparing the adsorption energy values of two ideal models, nitrobenzene and styrene, and by correlating the adsorption energy with the d-band center positions. Among the ten transition metals, Pt nanoparticles have a good balance between selectivity and the conversion rate. Then, the surface hydrogen covering strategy is applied to modulate the d-band center position on the Pt (111) surface, with the increase of H coverage leading to a decline of the d-band center position, which can selectively enhance the adsorption of nitro groups. However, excessively high H coverage (e.g., 75% or 100%) with an insufficiently low d-band center position can switch the chemisorption of nitro groups to physisorption, significantly reducing the catalytic activity. Therefore, a moderate d-band center shift (ca. −2.14 eV) resulted in both high selectivity and catalytic conversion. In addition, the PtSn experimental results met the theoretical expectations. This work provides a new strategy for the design of highly efficient metal catalysts for selective hydrogenation via the modulation of the d-band center position. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Chemistry and Catalysis: Prediction and Design)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 2320 KiB  
Review
Optimization Strategies of Preparation of Biomass-Derived Carbon Electrocatalyst for Boosting Oxygen Reduction Reaction: A Minireview
by Minhua Jiang, Xiaofang Yu, Haoqi Yang and Shuiliang Chen
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1472; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121472 - 16 Dec 2020
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3409
Abstract
Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has attracted considerable attention for clean energy conversion technologies to reduce traditional fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Although platinum (Pt) metal is currently used as an electrocatalyst to accelerate sluggish ORR kinetics, the scarce resource and high [...] Read more.
Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has attracted considerable attention for clean energy conversion technologies to reduce traditional fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Although platinum (Pt) metal is currently used as an electrocatalyst to accelerate sluggish ORR kinetics, the scarce resource and high cost still restrict its further scale-up applications. In this regard, biomass-derived carbon electrocatalysts have been widely adopted for ORR electrocatalysis in recent years owing to their tunable physical/chemical properties and cost-effective precursors. In this minireview, recent advances of the optimization strategies in biomass-derived carbon electrocatalysts towards ORR have been summarized, mainly focusing on the optimization of pore structure and active site. Besides, some current challenges and future perspectives of biomass-derived carbon as high-performance electrocatalysts for ORR have been also discussed in detail. Hopefully, this minireview will afford a guideline for better design of biomass-derived carbon electrocatalysts for ORR-related applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bifunctional Catalysts for Oxygen Electrodes)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3579 KiB  
Article
Porosity and Structure of Hierarchically Porous Ni/Al2O3 Catalysts for CO2 Methanation
by Sebastian Weber, Ken L. Abel, Ronny T. Zimmermann, Xiaohui Huang, Jens Bremer, Liisa K. Rihko-Struckmann, Darren Batey, Silvia Cipiccia, Juliane Titus, David Poppitz, Christian Kübel, Kai Sundmacher, Roger Gläser and Thomas L. Sheppard
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1471; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121471 - 16 Dec 2020
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6233
Abstract
CO2 methanation is often performed on Ni/Al2O3 catalysts, which can suffer from mass transport limitations and, therefore, decreased efficiency. Here we show the application of a hierarchically porous Ni/Al2O3 catalyst for methanation of CO2. [...] Read more.
CO2 methanation is often performed on Ni/Al2O3 catalysts, which can suffer from mass transport limitations and, therefore, decreased efficiency. Here we show the application of a hierarchically porous Ni/Al2O3 catalyst for methanation of CO2. The material has a well-defined and connected meso- and macropore structure with a total porosity of 78%. The pore structure was thoroughly studied with conventional methods, i.e., N2 sorption, Hg porosimetry, and He pycnometry, and advanced imaging techniques, i.e., electron tomography and ptychographic X-ray computed tomography. Tomography can quantify the pore system in a manner that is not possible using conventional porosimetry. Macrokinetic simulations were performed based on the measures obtained by porosity analysis. These show the potential benefit of enhanced mass-transfer properties of the hierarchical pore system compared to a pure mesoporous catalyst at industrially relevant conditions. Besides the investigation of the pore system, the catalyst was studied by Rietveld refinement, diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible (DRUV/vis) spectroscopy, and H2-temperature programmed reduction (TPR), showing a high reduction temperature required for activation due to structural incorporation of Ni into the transition alumina. The reduced hierarchically porous Ni/Al2O3 catalyst is highly active in CO2 methanation, showing comparable conversion and selectivity for CH4 to an industrial reference catalyst. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Heterogeneous Catalysts and Adsorbents)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 3505 KiB  
Article
One-Pot Biocatalytic Preparation of Enantiopure Unusual α-Amino Acids from α-Hydroxy Acids via a Hydrogen-Borrowing Dual-Enzyme Cascade
by Fei Liu, Junping Zhou, Meijuan Xu, Taowei Yang, Minglong Shao, Xian Zhang and Zhiming Rao
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121470 - 16 Dec 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2060
Abstract
Unusual α-amino acids (UAAs) are important fundamental building blocks and play a key role in medicinal chemistry. Here, we constructed a hydrogen-borrowing dual-enzyme cascade for efficient synthesis of UAAs from α-hydroxy acids (α-HAs). D-mandelate dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus brevis (LbMDH) was screened [...] Read more.
Unusual α-amino acids (UAAs) are important fundamental building blocks and play a key role in medicinal chemistry. Here, we constructed a hydrogen-borrowing dual-enzyme cascade for efficient synthesis of UAAs from α-hydroxy acids (α-HAs). D-mandelate dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus brevis (LbMDH) was screened for the catalysis of α-HAs to α-keto acids but with low activity towards aliphatic α-HAs. Therefore, we rational engineered LbMDH to improve its activity towards aliphatic α-HAs. The substitution of residue Leu243 located in the substrate entrance channel with nonpolar amino acids like Met, Trp, and Ile significantly influenced the enzyme activity towards different α-HAs. Compared with wild type (WT), variant L243W showed 103 U/mg activity towards D-α-hydroxybutyric acid, 1.7 times of the WT’s 60.2 U/mg, while its activity towards D-mandelic acid decreased. Variant L243M showed 2.3 times activity towards D-mandelic acid compared to WT, and its half-life at 40 °C increased to 150.2 h comparing with 98.5 h of WT. By combining LbMDH with L-leucine dehydrogenase from Bacillus cereus, the synthesis of structurally diverse range of UAAs from α-HAs was constructed. We achieved 90.7% conversion for L-phenylglycine production and 66.7% conversion for L-α-aminobutyric acid production. This redox self-sufficient cascade provided high catalytic efficiency and generated pure products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biocatalysis)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

10 pages, 1215 KiB  
Article
Highly Active Trifloaluminate Ionic Liquids as Recyclable Catalysts for Green Oxidation of 2,3,6-Trimethylphenol to Trimethyl-1,4-Benzoquinone
by Piotr Latos, Agnieszka Siewniak, Natalia Barteczko, Sebastian Jurczyk, Sławomir Boncel and Anna Chrobok
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1469; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121469 - 16 Dec 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1962
Abstract
An effective method for the synthesis of 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone via the oxidation of 2,3,6-trimethylphenol as the key step in the in the preparation of vitamin E was presented. An aqueous solution of H2O2 was used as the oxidant and Lewis acidic [...] Read more.
An effective method for the synthesis of 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone via the oxidation of 2,3,6-trimethylphenol as the key step in the in the preparation of vitamin E was presented. An aqueous solution of H2O2 was used as the oxidant and Lewis acidic trifloaluminate ionic liquids [emim][OTf]-Al(OTf)3, χAl(OTf)3 = 0.25 or 0.15 as catalysts. Trifloaluminate ionic liquids were synthesised by the simple reaction between 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate) [emim][OTf] and aluminium triflate used in sub-stoichiometric quantities. The influence of the reaction parameters on the reaction course, such as the amount and concentration of the oxidant, the amount of catalyst, the amount and the type of organic solvent, temperature, and the reaction time was investigated. Finally, 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone was obtained in high selectivity (99%) and high 2,3,6-trimethylphenol conversion (84%) at 70 °C after 2 h of oxidation using a 4-fold excess of 60% aqueous H2O2 and acetic acid as the solvent. The catalytic performance of trifloaluminate ionic liquids supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (loading of active phase: 9.1 wt.%) was also demonstrated. The heterogeneous ionic liquids not only retained their activity compared to the homogenous counterparts, but also proved to be a highly recyclable catalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments on Ionic Liquids in Catalysis)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 4979 KiB  
Article
Photocatalytic Transformation of Triclosan. Reaction Products and Kinetics
by Sophie Schröder, Mª-Fresnedo San-Román and Inmaculada Ortiz
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1468; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121468 - 16 Dec 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2047
Abstract
5-Chloro-2-[2,4-dichlorophenoxy]-phenol, or triclosan (TCS), is an antimicrobial and antifungal agent with high resistance to conventional wastewater treatments, thus, more effective remediation technologies are necessary, where photocatalytic processes deserve special attention due to the high degradation rates of TCS, and the use of a [...] Read more.
5-Chloro-2-[2,4-dichlorophenoxy]-phenol, or triclosan (TCS), is an antimicrobial and antifungal agent with high resistance to conventional wastewater treatments, thus, more effective remediation technologies are necessary, where photocatalytic processes deserve special attention due to the high degradation rates of TCS, and the use of a renewable source of energy. However, different by-products may be formed during the treatment, sometimes more harmful than the parent compounds. Efforts to detail reaction pathways continually feed into related literature; however, knowing the transformation kinetics and the dependence on the operating variables is essential for the correct design of the abovementioned remediation technologies. This work contributes to increasing the knowledge necessary for the application of photocatalytic processes for the degradation of emerging pollutants, with TCS as a case study. First, an experimental plan to analyze the influence of the operating variables was carried out, determining time courses of the parent and intermediate compounds. Next, the kinetic model and parameters that are capable of predicting TCS concentration and its derivatives as a function of the operating conditions are provided. This constitutes a very useful tool to predict the performance of wastewater remediation treatment both in the degradation of the original pollutant and in the reduction of the toxicity in the treated water. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Catalysts: Application to Waste and Groundwater Treatment)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

3 pages, 166 KiB  
Editorial
Highlights of the Most Cited Papers in the Section “Catalysis in Organic and Polymer Chemistry”
by Victorio Cadierno
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1467; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121467 - 16 Dec 2020
Viewed by 1427
Abstract
The aim of this editorial is to highlight the most cited papers published during 2018–2019 in the section “Catalysis in Organic and Polymer Chemistry” of the journal Catalysts [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Catalysis in Organic and Polymer Chemistry)
12 pages, 2264 KiB  
Article
Effective Glycosylation of Cucurbitacin Mediated by UDP-Glycosyltransferase UGT74AC1 and Molecular Dynamics Exploration of Its Substrate Binding Conformations
by Shicheng Mu, Jiao Li, Cui Liu, Yan Zeng, Yan Men, Yi Cai, Ning Chen, Hongwu Ma and Yuanxia Sun
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1466; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121466 - 15 Dec 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2417
Abstract
Cucurbitacins, a group of diverse tetracyclic triterpenes, display a variety of biological effects. Glycosylation mediated by glycosyltransferases (UGTs) plays a vital role in structural and functional diversity of natural products and influences their biological activities. In this study, GT-SM, a mutant of UGT74AC1 [...] Read more.
Cucurbitacins, a group of diverse tetracyclic triterpenes, display a variety of biological effects. Glycosylation mediated by glycosyltransferases (UGTs) plays a vital role in structural and functional diversity of natural products and influences their biological activities. In this study, GT-SM, a mutant of UGT74AC1 from Siraitia grosvenorii, was chosen as a potential catalyst in glycosylation of cucurbitacins, and its optimal pH, temperature, and divalent metal ions were detected. This enzyme showed high activity (kcat/Km, 120 s−1 µM−1) toward cucurbitacin F 25-O-acetate (CA-F25) and only produced CA-F25 2-O-β-d-glucose which was isolated and confirmed by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance. A pathway for uridine diphosphate glucose (UDP-Glc) regeneration and cucurbitacin glycoside synthesis was constructed by combing GT-SM and sucrose synthase to cut down the costly UDP-Glc. The molar conversion of CA-F25 was 80.4% in cascade reaction. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations showed that CA-F25 was stabilized by hydrophobic interactions, and the C2-OH of CA-F25 showed more favorable catalytic conformation than that of C3-OH, explaining the high regioselectivity toward the C2-OH rather than the ortho-C3-OH of CA-F25. This work proved the important potential application of UGT74AC1 in cucurbitacins and provided an understanding of glycosylation of cucurbitacins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocatalysts and Biocatalysis in Food Industry)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 4341 KiB  
Article
Clarifying the Role of the Reducers-to-Oxidizers Ratio in the Solution Combustion Synthesis of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ Oxygen Electrocatalysts
by Francesca Deganello, Leonarda F. Liotta, Chiara Aliotta, Antonio Barbucci, Massimo Viviani, Davide Clematis, Maria Paola Carpanese and Sabrina Presto
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1465; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121465 - 15 Dec 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2229
Abstract
Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ perovskite-type compounds are well-known mixed ionic-electronic conductors for oxygen electrocatalytic applications, although their performance is strictly dependent on the selected preparation methodology and processing parameters. The reducers-to-oxidizers ratio (Φ) is a very important [...] Read more.
Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ perovskite-type compounds are well-known mixed ionic-electronic conductors for oxygen electrocatalytic applications, although their performance is strictly dependent on the selected preparation methodology and processing parameters. The reducers-to-oxidizers ratio (Φ) is a very important parameter in the solution combustion synthesis of mixed ionic-electronic conductors. Selection of Φ is not trivial and it strongly depends on the type of fuel used, the chemical composition and the specific application of the material. This work clarifies the role of Φ in the solution combustion synthesis of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ for application as oxygen electrocatalysts. Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ powders were synthesized by solution combustion synthesis using sucrose-polyethylene glycol fuel mixtures with reducers-to-oxidizers ratio values between 1 (stoichiometric) and 3 (over-stoichiometric). Chemical-physical properties were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, N2 adsorption at −196 °C, H2-temperature programmed reduction and thermogravimetric analysis. The results evidenced the direct role of Φ on the intensity and redox environment of the combustion process, and its indirect influence on the Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ electrode materials properties. Taking into account the general picture, the highly over-stoichiometric Φ was selected as the optimal one and the electrochemical activity of the corresponding powder was tested by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy on electrolyte-supported half-cells employing a Ce0.8Sm0.2O2-x electrolyte. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Electrocatalysts for Fuel Cell and Battery Applications)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

26 pages, 5795 KiB  
Review
Photocatalytic Decomposition of Acetaldehyde on Different TiO2-Based Materials: A Review
by Beata Tryba, Piotr Rychtowski, Agata Markowska-Szczupak and Jacek Przepiórski
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121464 - 15 Dec 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4205
Abstract
Purification of air from the organic contaminants by the photocatalytic process has been confirmed to be very perspective. Although many various photocatalysts have been prepared and studied so far, TiO2 is still the most commonly used, because of its advantageous properties such [...] Read more.
Purification of air from the organic contaminants by the photocatalytic process has been confirmed to be very perspective. Although many various photocatalysts have been prepared and studied so far, TiO2 is still the most commonly used, because of its advantageous properties such as non-toxicity, relatively low cost and high stability. Surface modifications of TiO2 were extensively proceeded in order to increase photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst under both UV and visible light activations. The intention of this review paper was to summarize the scientific achievements devoted to developing of TiO2-based materials considered as photocatalysts for the photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde in air. Influence of the preparation and modification methods on the parameters of the resultant photocatalyst is reviewed and discussed in this work. Affinity of the photocatalyst surfaces towards adsorption of acetaldehyde will be described by taking into account its physicochemical parameters. Impact of the contact time of a pollutant with the photocatalyst surface is analyzed and discussed with respect to both the degradation rate and mineralization degree of the contaminant. Influence of the photocatalyst properties on the mechanism and yield of the photocatalytic reactions is discussed. New data related to the acetaldehyde decomposition on commercial TiO2 were added, which indicated the different mechanisms occurring on the anatase and rutile structures. Finally, possible applications of the materials revealing photocatalytic activity are presented with a special attention paid to the photocatalytic purification of air from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis in Europe: Recent Advances and Future Prospects)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 4507 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Calcination Temperature on Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2-Acetylacetone Charge Transfer Complex towards Degradation of NOx under Visible Light
by Lucas A. Almeida, Margarita Habran, Rafael dos Santos Carvalho, Marcelo E. H. Maia da Costa, Marco Cremona, Bruno C. Silva, Klaus Krambrock, Omar Ginoble Pandoli, Edisson Morgado Jr. and Bojan A. Marinkovic
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1463; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121463 - 14 Dec 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3295
Abstract
The improvement of photocatalytic activity of TiO2-based nanomaterials is widely investigated due to the tentative of their industrialization as environmental photocatalysts and their inherently low solar spectrum sensitivity and rapid recombination of charge carriers. Coupling of oxygen-based bidentate diketone to nanocrystalline [...] Read more.
The improvement of photocatalytic activity of TiO2-based nanomaterials is widely investigated due to the tentative of their industrialization as environmental photocatalysts and their inherently low solar spectrum sensitivity and rapid recombination of charge carriers. Coupling of oxygen-based bidentate diketone to nanocrystalline TiO2 represents a potential alternative for improving the holdbacks. Formation of TiO2-acetylacetone charge transfer complex (CTC) by sol-gel route results in a hybrid semiconductor material with photodegradation activity against toxic NOx gas. In this research, the influence of the chelating agent acetylacetone (ACAC) content on the CTC photocatalytic efficiency under visible light was evaluated. A high content of ACAC in the CTC is not a decisive factor for efficiency of photocatalytic reactions. In fact, the highest efficiency for NOx degradation (close to 100%, during 1 h of visible light exposure) was reported for the material calcined in air at 300 °C with the content of strongly bonded acetylacetone not higher than 3 wt.%. Higher calcination temperature (400 °C) left TiO2 almost completely depleted in ACAC, while at the highest applied temperature (550 °C) a portion of anatase was transformed into rutile and the sample is free of ACAC. The analyses pointed out that superoxide anion radical (O2) plays an active role in photo-oxidation of NOx. Our findings indicate that this CTC has both high visible light spectral sensitivity and photocatalytic efficiency. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

38 pages, 3593 KiB  
Review
Understanding Hydrodechlorination of Chloromethanes. Past and Future of the Technology
by Sichen Liu, Javier A. Otero, Maria Martin-Martinez, Daniel Rodriguez-Franco, Juan J. Rodriguez and Luisa M. Gómez-Sainero
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1462; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121462 - 14 Dec 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3319
Abstract
Chloromethanes are a group of volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the environment and human health. Abundant studies have verified that hydrodechlorination might be an effective treatment to remove these chlorinated pollutants. The most outstanding advantages of this technique are the moderate [...] Read more.
Chloromethanes are a group of volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the environment and human health. Abundant studies have verified that hydrodechlorination might be an effective treatment to remove these chlorinated pollutants. The most outstanding advantages of this technique are the moderate operating conditions used and the possibility of obtaining less hazardous valuable products. This review presents a global analysis of experimental and theoretical studies regarding the hydrodechlorination of chloromethanes. The catalysts used and their synthesis methods are summarized. Their physicochemical properties are analyzed in order to deeply understand their influence on the catalytic performance. Moreover, the main causes of the catalyst deactivation are explained, and prevention and regeneration methods are suggested. The reaction systems used and the effect of the operating conditions on the catalytic activity are also analyzed. Besides, the mechanisms and kinetics of the process at the atomic level are reviewed. Finally, a new perspective for the upgrading of chloromethanes, via hydrodechlorination, to valuable hydrocarbons for industry, such as light olefins, is discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Catalytic Hydrodechlorination)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 5918 KiB  
Article
Photocatalytic Degradation of Quinoline Yellow over Ag3PO4
by Asma Tab, Mohamed Dahmane, Belabed Chemseddin, Bachir Bellal, Mohamed Trari and Claire Richard
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1461; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121461 - 14 Dec 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2372
Abstract
In this study, the ability of Ag3PO4 to achieve the photocatalytic degradation of quinoline yellow (QY) a hazardous and recalcitrant dye, under UVA and visible light was investigated. The photocatalyst Ag3PO4 was synthesized through a precipitation method, [...] Read more.
In this study, the ability of Ag3PO4 to achieve the photocatalytic degradation of quinoline yellow (QY) a hazardous and recalcitrant dye, under UVA and visible light was investigated. The photocatalyst Ag3PO4 was synthesized through a precipitation method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), BET Brunauer–Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, UV-Differential Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Ag3PO4 could successfully induce the photocatalytic degradation of QY under UVA and visible light. Optimal parameters were 0.5 g·L−1 of the catalyst, 20 ppm of QY and pH~7. Ag3PO4 was 1.6-times more efficient than TiO2 Degussa P25 under UVA light in degrading QY. Total organic carbon (TOC) analyses confirmed the almost complete QY mineralization. At least eight intermediate degradation products were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. The stability of Ag3PO4 was satisfactory as less than 5% Ag metal appeared in XRD analyses after 3 reuse cycles. These results show that under optimized conditions Ag3PO4 can efficiently achieve quinolone yellow mineralization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms of Photocatalysis)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2159 KiB  
Article
Application of Immobilized Cholest-4-en-3-one Δ1-Dehydrogenase from Sterolibacterium Denitrificans for Dehydrogenation of Steroids
by Mateusz Tataruch, Patrycja Wójcik, Agnieszka M. Wojtkiewicz, Katarzyna Zaczyk, Katarzyna Szymańska and Maciej Szaleniec
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121460 - 14 Dec 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2238
Abstract
Cholest-4-en-3-one Δ1-dehydrogenase (AcmB) from Sterolibacterium denitrificans was successfully immobilized on 3-aminopropyltrimethoysilane functionalized mesoporous cellular foam (MCF) and Santa Barbara Amorphous (SBA-15) silica supports using adsorption or covalently with glutaraldehyde or divinyl sulfone linkers. The best catalyst, AcmB on MCF linked covalently [...] Read more.
Cholest-4-en-3-one Δ1-dehydrogenase (AcmB) from Sterolibacterium denitrificans was successfully immobilized on 3-aminopropyltrimethoysilane functionalized mesoporous cellular foam (MCF) and Santa Barbara Amorphous (SBA-15) silica supports using adsorption or covalently with glutaraldehyde or divinyl sulfone linkers. The best catalyst, AcmB on MCF linked covalently with glutaraldehyde, retained the specific activity of the homogenous enzyme while exhibiting a substantial increase of the operational stability. The immobilized enzyme was used continuously in the fed-batch reactor for 27 days, catalyzing 1,2-dehydrogenation of androst-4-en-3-one to androst-1,4-dien-3-one with a final yield of 29.9 mM (8.56 g/L) and 99% conversion. The possibility of reuse of the immobilized catalyst was also demonstrated and resulted in a doubling of the product amount compared to that in the reference homogenous reactor. Finally, it was shown that molecular oxygen from the air can efficiently be used as an electron acceptor either reoxidizing directly the enzyme or the reduced 2,4-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIPH2). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocatalysis in Lipids Modification)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

27 pages, 4683 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in the Design and Photocatalytic Enhanced Performance of Gold Plasmonic Nanostructures Decorated with Non-Titania Based Semiconductor Hetero-Nanoarchitectures
by Jose I. Garcia-Peiro, Javier Bonet-Aleta, Carlos J. Bueno-Alejo and Jose L. Hueso
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1459; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121459 - 14 Dec 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4509
Abstract
Plasmonic photocatalysts combining metallic nanoparticles and semiconductors have been aimed as versatile alternatives to drive light-assisted catalytic chemical reactions beyond the ultraviolet (UV) regions, and overcome one of the major drawbacks of the most exploited photocatalysts (TiO2 or ZnO). The strong size [...] Read more.
Plasmonic photocatalysts combining metallic nanoparticles and semiconductors have been aimed as versatile alternatives to drive light-assisted catalytic chemical reactions beyond the ultraviolet (UV) regions, and overcome one of the major drawbacks of the most exploited photocatalysts (TiO2 or ZnO). The strong size and morphology dependence of metallic nanostructures to tune their visible to near-infrared (vis-NIR) light harvesting capabilities has been combined with the design of a wide variety of architectures for the semiconductor supports to promote the selective activity of specific crystallographic facets. The search for efficient heterojunctions has been subjected to numerous studies, especially those involving gold nanostructures and titania semiconductors. In the present review, we paid special attention to the most recent advances in the design of gold-semiconductor hetero-nanostructures including emerging metal oxides such as cerium oxide or copper oxide (CeO2 or Cu2O) or metal chalcogenides such as copper sulfide or cadmium sulfides (CuS or CdS). These alternative hybrid materials were thoroughly built in past years to target research fields of strong impact, such as solar energy conversion, water splitting, environmental chemistry, or nanomedicine. Herein, we evaluate the influence of tuning the morphologies of the plasmonic gold nanostructures or the semiconductor interacting structures, and how these variations in geometry, either individual or combined, have a significant influence on the final photocatalytic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasmonic Photocatalysts)
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 2793 KiB  
Review
Direct Electrochemical Enzyme Electron Transfer on Electrodes Modified by Self-Assembled Molecular Monolayers
by Xiaomei Yan, Jing Tang, David Tanner, Jens Ulstrup and Xinxin Xiao
Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1458; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121458 - 14 Dec 2020
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4667
Abstract
Self-assembled molecular monolayers (SAMs) have long been recognized as crucial “bridges” between redox enzymes and solid electrode surfaces, on which the enzymes undergo direct electron transfer (DET)—for example, in enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) and biosensors. SAMs possess a wide range of terminal groups [...] Read more.
Self-assembled molecular monolayers (SAMs) have long been recognized as crucial “bridges” between redox enzymes and solid electrode surfaces, on which the enzymes undergo direct electron transfer (DET)—for example, in enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) and biosensors. SAMs possess a wide range of terminal groups that enable productive enzyme adsorption and fine-tuning in favorable orientations on the electrode. The tunneling distance and SAM chain length, and the contacting terminal SAM groups, are the most significant controlling factors in DET-type bioelectrocatalysis. In particular, SAM-modified nanostructured electrode materials have recently been extensively explored to improve the catalytic activity and stability of redox proteins immobilized on electrochemical surfaces. In this report, we present an overview of recent investigations of electrochemical enzyme DET processes on SAMs with a focus on single-crystal and nanoporous gold electrodes. Specifically, we consider the preparation and characterization methods of SAMs, as well as SAM applications in promoting interfacial electrochemical electron transfer of redox proteins and enzymes. The strategic selection of SAMs to accord with the properties of the core redox protein/enzymes is also highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enzymatic Bioelectrocatalysis)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Previous Issue
Next Issue
Back to TopTop