Nanotechnology in Catalysis, 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 7803

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Instituto de Tecnología Química, Universitat Politècnica de València, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Av. Los Naranjos s/n, E-46022 Valencia, Spain
Interests: catalysis; materials; redox chemistry; one-pot; fine chemistry; CO2 valorization
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,              

The Special Issue Nanotechnology in Catalysis saw considerable success, so we decided to reopen this Special Issue with the name of "Nanotechnology in Catalysis II".

The evolution of catalysis is associated to the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology, which has the potential to design, synthesize and control the catalysts at nanometer and sub-nanometer length scale. The enormous efficiency of these nanocatalysts has to do with a) the increasing surface-to-volume ratio with decreasing particle size, as well as b) with quantum confinement effects, which can influence the chemical features of sufficiently small particles. Other atomic characteristics such as the chemical composition will be also critical to achieve a benefit at the level of catalytic activity and selectivity. 

Taking into account that synthetic heterogeneous catalysts are the basis of industrial chemistry, this issue will collect fundamental research in heterogeneous catalysis. In particular, design, preparation and characterization of nanocatalysts (nanoparticles and nanoclusters) for clean energy research (ranging from hydrogen and liquid fuel production from fossil and renewable resources to clean combustion technologies), nanocatalysis for environmental chemistry and nanocatalysis for clean processes (i.e. fine chemistry and large-scale industrial applications).

Dr. Maria J. Sabater
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • nanocatalyst
  • nanoclusters
  • nanoparticles
  • active site
  • design
  • selectivity
  • energy
  • environment
  • fine chemistry
  • large scale production

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 3255 KiB  
Article
Hydrogen Production from Hydrous Hydrazine Decomposition Using Ir Catalysts: Effect of the Preparation Method and the Support
by Silvio Bellomi, Davide Motta, Marta Stucchi, Laura Prati, Nikolaos Dimitratos and Alberto Villa
Catalysts 2024, 14(2), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14020119 - 02 Feb 2024
Viewed by 919
Abstract
Herein, Ir/CeO2 catalysts were prepared using the deposition–precipitation method with NaOH or urea as the precipitating agent or using sol immobilization with tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (THPC) as the protective and reducing agent. The effect of the preparation method on Ir catalyst activity was [...] Read more.
Herein, Ir/CeO2 catalysts were prepared using the deposition–precipitation method with NaOH or urea as the precipitating agent or using sol immobilization with tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (THPC) as the protective and reducing agent. The effect of the preparation method on Ir catalyst activity was evaluated in the liquid-phase catalytic decomposition of hydrous hydrazine to hydrogen. Ir/CeO2 prepared using sol immobilization and DP NaOH showed the best activity (1740 h−1 and 1541 h−1, respectively) and yield of hydrogen (36.6 and 38.9%). Additionally, the effect of the support was considered, using TiO2 and NiO in addition to CeO2. For this purpose, the sol immobilization of preformed nanoparticles technique was considered because it allows the same morphology of the immobilized particles to be maintained, regardless of the support. Ir deposited on NiO resulted in the most selective catalyst with a H2 yield of 83.9%, showing good stability during recycling tests. The catalysts were characterized using different techniques: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an X-ray detector (EDX) and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology in Catalysis, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 10455 KiB  
Article
A CoFe Bimetallic Catalyst for the Direct Conversion of Syngas to Olefins
by Xinxing Wang, Tiejun Lin, Dong Lv, Yunlei An, Xingzhen Qi, Kun Gong and Liangshu Zhong
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1472; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121472 - 27 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1120
Abstract
Syngas conversion is a useful technology for converting nonpetroleum carbon resources into chemicals such as olefins. Iron- and cobalt-based catalysts, as two major categories, have been extensively studied in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis to olefins (FTO) reactions. Although both iron and cobalt catalysts have shown [...] Read more.
Syngas conversion is a useful technology for converting nonpetroleum carbon resources into chemicals such as olefins. Iron- and cobalt-based catalysts, as two major categories, have been extensively studied in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis to olefins (FTO) reactions. Although both iron and cobalt catalysts have shown distinct merits and shortcomings, they are also complementary in their properties and catalytic performances when combined with each other. Herein, Na-modified CoFe bimetallic catalysts were fabricated using a co-precipitation method. It was found that there was a synergistic effect between Co and Fe that promoted a CO dissociation rate and carburization, and an appropriate Co/Fe ratio was conducive to improvements in their catalytic performances. The desired olefins selectivity reached 66.1 C% at a CO conversion of 37.5% for a Co2Fe1 catalyst, while the methane selectivity was only 4.3 C%. In addition, no obvious deactivation was found after nearly 160 h, indicating their potential industrial application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology in Catalysis, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 5555 KiB  
Article
Cyano/Hydroxyl Groups Co-Functionalized g-C3N4 for Photocatalytic NO Removal: A Synergistic Strategy towards Inhibition of Toxic Intermediate NO2
by Hui Wang, Xiaoqian Xu, Abdelkader Labidi, Haitao Ren, Ahmed A. Allam, Ahmed Rady, Yu Huang, Shuwei Wei, Mohsen Padervand, Shahnaz Ghasemi and Chuanyi Wang
Catalysts 2023, 13(11), 1433; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13111433 - 13 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1003
Abstract
Photocatalytic NO removal is usually accompanied by the generation of NO2, an intermediate with a higher toxicity than NO. Therefore, it is critically important to develop new photocatalysts capable of NO selective conversion. Herein, we report on the synergistic roles of [...] Read more.
Photocatalytic NO removal is usually accompanied by the generation of NO2, an intermediate with a higher toxicity than NO. Therefore, it is critically important to develop new photocatalysts capable of NO selective conversion. Herein, we report on the synergistic roles of cyano and hydroxyl functional groups in photocatalytic NO removal. According to the results, the NO2 production efficiencies on cyano/hydroxyl-group-modified g-C3N4 (DCN-O-R) was limited to 4.8%, which was lower than that of cyano-group-modified g-C3N4 (DCN, 38.6%) and pure g-C3N4 (CN, 50.0%). Meanwhile, the photocatalytic NO conversion efficiency over DCN-O-R was higher than that of DCN and g-C3N4. It was found that the insertion of cyano groups favorably changes the energy band of g-C3N4 towards the generation of •O2. NO can only be oxidized to NO2 by the photogenerated holes. When NO2 is adsorbed on the surface of hydroxyl groups, it can be further oxidized to the product NO3 by •O2. The synergistic effect of bifunctional groups regulates the conversion pathway from NO→NO2 to NO→NO2→NO3. This work provides a strategy to abate toxic intermediates during the NO removal process, underlining the importance of surface/interface molecular engineering in regulating catalytic reaction pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology in Catalysis, 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 3495 KiB  
Article
Study on the Hydrogenation of Ethyl Stearate to the Fatty Alcohol 1-Octadecanol over Ru on Tungstated Zirconia
by Diego Quintero-Ramos, Manuel Checa, Jose Luis Jordá and Maria J. Sabater
Catalysts 2023, 13(10), 1362; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13101362 - 11 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1180
Abstract
Fatty alcohols are important products in the chemical industry, given that they are frequently used in the formulation of surfactants and lubricants. In this context, this work describes a catalytic heterogeneous approach for the production of 1-octadecanol (C18OH) from ethyl stearate [...] Read more.
Fatty alcohols are important products in the chemical industry, given that they are frequently used in the formulation of surfactants and lubricants. In this context, this work describes a catalytic heterogeneous approach for the production of 1-octadecanol (C18OH) from ethyl stearate (ES) using nanosized Ru-supported on tungstated zirconia (W/Zr). The activity and selectivity of this series of catalysts have been studied during the hydrogenation of ES in a batch reactor at 175 °C and PH2 = 40 bar. The so-prepared catalysts were characterized by a sort of characterization techniques (i.e., X-ray diffraction, H2-TPR, etc.), confirming the high dispersion and higher reducibility of Ru nanoparticles on the W/Zr surface (primarily tetragonal zirconia) with respect to pure zirconia. Overall, the catalysts were significantly active. In addition, a strong synergistic effect was revealed between Ru and W species, according to catalytic data. Finally, the reaction sequence towards fatty alcohol has also been elucidated, pointing to the ester hydrogenolysis to the aldehyde and ulterior hydrogenation of the latter as the main route for fatty alcohol formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology in Catalysis, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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31 pages, 4586 KiB  
Review
Optimizing Graphene Dopants for Direct Electrocatalytic Quantification of Small Molecules and Ions
by Qingwei Zhou, Mingjiao Shi, Mengfan Wu, Ningbin Zhao, Peizheng Shi, Yangguang Zhu, Aiwu Wang, Chen Ye, Cheng-Te Lin and Li Fu
Catalysts 2024, 14(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14010008 - 20 Dec 2023
Viewed by 867
Abstract
This review critically evaluates the recent advancements in graphene dopants for electrocatalytic quantification of small molecules and ions. Emphasizing the enhanced catalytic activity and specificity of doped graphene, the paper delves into the various doping methods, ranging from chemical to physical techniques. It [...] Read more.
This review critically evaluates the recent advancements in graphene dopants for electrocatalytic quantification of small molecules and ions. Emphasizing the enhanced catalytic activity and specificity of doped graphene, the paper delves into the various doping methods, ranging from chemical to physical techniques. It presents a detailed analysis of the mechanisms underlying graphene-based electrocatalysis and its applications in environmental monitoring, health care, and pharmaceuticals. The review also addresses challenges such as the reproducibility and stability of doped graphene, suggesting future research directions. By summarizing the latest findings, this review aims to elucidate the role of doped graphene in improving the sensitivity and selectivity of electrocatalytic processes, bridging the gap between research and practical use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology in Catalysis, 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 5044 KiB  
Review
Comprehensive Review on Multifaceted Carbon Dot Nanocatalysts: Sources and Energy Applications
by Anju Singh, Saroj Raj Kafle, Mukesh Sharma and Beom Soo Kim
Catalysts 2023, 13(11), 1446; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13111446 - 16 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1286
Abstract
In recent decades, several studies have been conducted on sustainability progress with high efficiency of renewable energies by utilizing advanced nano-module catalysts. Some collaborative studies advocate the unique characteristics of unconventional materials, including carbon nanotubes, nanosheets, nanoparticles, conducting polymers, integrated nano polymers, nano [...] Read more.
In recent decades, several studies have been conducted on sustainability progress with high efficiency of renewable energies by utilizing advanced nano-module catalysts. Some collaborative studies advocate the unique characteristics of unconventional materials, including carbon nanotubes, nanosheets, nanoparticles, conducting polymers, integrated nano polymers, nano enzymes, and zero-dimensional nanomaterials/carbon dots (CDs) at the atomic and molecular level to generate efficient energy from various biomass substrates. Nanotechnology-based catalysts are considered a crucial tool for revolutionizing various energy-related applications. This review article addresses the sustainable and scarce biomass resources to synthesize CDs, properties, mechanisms, and insights with the advancement of research on CDs as nanocatalysts in the field of energy applications. These materials possess exceptional and rapidly expanding features such as being non-toxic, biocompatible, having excellent electrocatalytic activity and photoluminescence, and being highly dispersible in water. Because of these advantages, they are appealing for use in energy conversion and as storage material. Moreover, the emphasis is placed on the function of CDs as nanocatalysts for energy storage devices, and relevant instances are provided to clarify the concepts. These advanced strategies of nanotechnology for energy storage and conversion are expected to play a vital role in promoting sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology in Catalysis, 2nd Edition)
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27 pages, 8891 KiB  
Review
Sulfur and Water Resistance of Carbon-Based Catalysts for Low-Temperature Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx: A Review
by Zhenghua Shen, Shan Ren, Baoting Zhang, Weixin Bian, Xiangdong Xing and Zhaoying Zheng
Catalysts 2023, 13(11), 1434; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13111434 - 13 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 941
Abstract
Low-temperature NH3-SCR is an efficient technology for NOx removal from flue gas. The carbon-based catalyst designed by using porous carbon material with great specific surface area and interconnected pores as the support to load the active components shows excellent NH [...] Read more.
Low-temperature NH3-SCR is an efficient technology for NOx removal from flue gas. The carbon-based catalyst designed by using porous carbon material with great specific surface area and interconnected pores as the support to load the active components shows excellent NH3-SCR performance and has a broad application prospect. However, overcoming the poor resistance of H2O and SO2 poisoning for carbon-based catalysts remains a great challenge. Notably, reviews on the sulfur and water resistance of carbon-based low-temperature NH3-SCR catalysts have not been previously reported to the best of our knowledge. This review introduces the reaction mechanism of the NH3-SCR process and the poisoning mechanism of SO2 and H2O to carbon-based catalysts. Strategies to improve the SO2 and H2O resistance of carbon-based catalysts in recent years are summarized through the effect of support, modification, structure control, preparation methods and reaction conditions. Perspective for the further development of carbon-based catalysts in NOx low-temperature SCR is proposed. This study provides a new insight and guidance into the design of low-temperature SCR catalysts resistant to SO2 and H2O in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology in Catalysis, 2nd Edition)
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