Synthesis and Application of Catalytic Materials in Energy and Environment

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2022) | Viewed by 32222

Special Issue Editors

College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
Interests: heterogeneous catalysis; oxide; zeolite; energy conversion; membrane separation

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Guest Editor
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Interests: heterogeneous catalysis; photocatalysis; electrocatalysis; sensing materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Catalytic materials have become prominent in many high-tech fields in recent years. These materials are not categorized according to their nature, bonding form, or processing methods, but rather according to their functions. The emergence of catalytic materials in energy (energy storage, conversion, and utilization) and environmental (detection, protection, and rehabilitation) applications has received increased attention from both academic and industry scientists. Thus, it is necessary to provide a platform for researchers and engineers to discuss the development of catalytic materials in energy and environmental applications.

This Special Issue, ‘’Synthesis and Application of Catalytic Materials in Energy and Environment’’, focuses on the synthesis, characterization, application, and mechanism analysis of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in energy and environmental applications. All studies (experimental and theoretical) within the scope of this Special Issue, including original research and review articles, short communications, and perspective articles, are invited for submission.

Dr. Dezhi Han
Dr. Wentai Wang
Dr. Ning Han
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • energy storage
  • energy conversion
  • energy utilization
  • environment detection
  • environment protection
  • environment rehabilitation
  • electrocatalysis
  • photocatalysis
  • homogeneous catalysis
  • heterogeneous catalysis

Published Papers (17 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 212 KiB  
Editorial
Synthesis and Application of Catalytic Materials in Energy and Environment
by Dezhi Han, Wentai Wang and Ning Han
Catalysts 2023, 13(2), 213; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal13020213 - 17 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1102
Abstract
Catalytic materials have become prominent in many high-tech fields in recent years [...] Full article

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

13 pages, 4443 KiB  
Article
Performance and Mechanism of Hydrothermally Synthesized MoS2 on Copper Dissolution
by Hao Lu, Fang Cao, Xiaoyu Huang and Honggang Yang
Catalysts 2023, 13(1), 147; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal13010147 - 09 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1576
Abstract
The recovery of copper from circuit boards is currently a hot topic. However, recycling copper from circuit boards economically and environmentally is still a considerable challenge. In this study, a simple hydrothermal method was used to synthesize MoS2 with nano-flower-like morphology using [...] Read more.
The recovery of copper from circuit boards is currently a hot topic. However, recycling copper from circuit boards economically and environmentally is still a considerable challenge. In this study, a simple hydrothermal method was used to synthesize MoS2 with nano-flower-like morphology using sodium molybdate dihydrate and thiourea as molybdenum and sulfur sources. The metal copper in the chip was successfully dissolved under the action of free radicals produced by ultrasound. The results show that under the catalytic action of hydrothermal synthesis MoS2, the concentration of Cu2+ dissolved by ultrasonic treatment for 10 h is 39.46 mg/L. In contrast, the concentration of Cu2+ dissolved by commercial MoS2 is only 2.20 mg/L under the same condition. The MoS2 is polarized by external mechanical forces and reacts with water to produce H+ and free electrons e, which can combine with O2 and OH to produce ·OH and ·O2 free radicals. Elemental Cu is converted to Cu2+ by the attack of these two free radicals. Full article
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15 pages, 3178 KiB  
Article
Unraveling the Effect of MgAl/CuO Nanothermite on the Characteristics and Thermo-Catalytic Decomposition of Nanoenergetic Formulation Based on Nanostructured Nitrocellulose and Hydrazinium Nitro-Triazolone
by Mohammed Dourari, Ahmed Fouzi Tarchoun, Djalal Trache, Amir Abdelaziz, Slimane Bekhouche, Abdelatif Harrat, Hani Boukeciat and Nawel Matmat
Catalysts 2022, 12(12), 1573; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12121573 - 03 Dec 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1321
Abstract
The present study aims to develop new energetic composites containing nanostructured nitrocellulose (NNC) or nitrated cellulose (NC), hydrazinium nitro triazolone (HNTO), and MgAl-CuO nanothermite. The prepared energetic formulations (NC/HNTO/MgAl-CuO and NNC/HNTO/MgAl-CuO) were analyzed using various analytical techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning [...] Read more.
The present study aims to develop new energetic composites containing nanostructured nitrocellulose (NNC) or nitrated cellulose (NC), hydrazinium nitro triazolone (HNTO), and MgAl-CuO nanothermite. The prepared energetic formulations (NC/HNTO/MgAl-CuO and NNC/HNTO/MgAl-CuO) were analyzed using various analytical techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The outstanding catalytic impact of MgAl-CuO on the thermal behavior of the developed energetic composites was elucidated by kinetic modeling, applied to the DSC data using isoconversional kinetic methods, for which a considerable drop in the activation energy was acquired for the prepared formulations, highlighting the catalytic influence of the introduced MgAl-CuO nanothermite. Overall, the obtained findings demonstrated that the newly elaborated NC/HNTO/MgAl-CuO and NNC/HNTO/MgAl-CuO composites could serve as promising candidates for application in the next generation of composite explosives and high-performance propellants. Full article
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16 pages, 4253 KiB  
Article
Highly Dispersed Nickel Nanoparticles on Hierarchically Ordered Macroporous Al2O3 and Its Catalytic Performance for Steam Reforming of 1-Methyl Naphthalene
by Lien Thi Do, Huy Nguyen-Phu, Ngoc Nhiem Pham, Dong Hwi Jeong and Eun Woo Shin
Catalysts 2022, 12(12), 1542; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12121542 - 30 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1221
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the effect of a hierarchically ordered macroporous structure of alumina support on the steam reforming of 1-methyl naphthalene with mesoporous alumina-supported nickel and potassium (xK/Ni–MeAl), and macroporous alumina-supported nickel and potassium (xK/Ni–MaAl) catalysts. Hierarchically ordered macroporosity in Al [...] Read more.
In this study, we investigate the effect of a hierarchically ordered macroporous structure of alumina support on the steam reforming of 1-methyl naphthalene with mesoporous alumina-supported nickel and potassium (xK/Ni–MeAl), and macroporous alumina-supported nickel and potassium (xK/Ni–MaAl) catalysts. Hierarchically ordered macroporosity in Al2O3 supports plays an important role in maintaining the high Ni dispersion through multiple interactions in Ni–K over AlO4 tetrahedra in alumina. This, in turn, improves the catalytic performance of steam reforming, including high gas yields, turnover frequency for hydrogen production, and 1-methyl naphthalene conversion. At high K content, the Ni active sites over xK/Ni–MeAl catalysts significantly decrease, resulting in almost zero steam reforming rate in the reaction test. Conversely, the potassium–alumina interaction in xK/Ni–MaAl catalysts not only diminishes the formation of the inactive nickel aluminate phase but also maintains the highly dispersed Ni active sites, resulting in a high steam reforming rate. Full article
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11 pages, 2714 KiB  
Article
Metal-Organic Framework-Derived Atomically Dispersed Co-N-C Electrocatalyst for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction
by Dongqi Ge, Longfei Liao, Mingyu Li and Yongli Yin
Catalysts 2022, 12(11), 1462; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12111462 - 18 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1610
Abstract
In this work, an atomically dispersed cobalt-nitrogen-carbon (Co-N-C) catalyst is prepared for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) by using a metal-organic framework (MOF) as a self-sacrifice template under high-temperature pyrolysis. Spherical aberration-corrected electron microscopy is employed to confirm the atomic dispersion of high-density [...] Read more.
In this work, an atomically dispersed cobalt-nitrogen-carbon (Co-N-C) catalyst is prepared for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) by using a metal-organic framework (MOF) as a self-sacrifice template under high-temperature pyrolysis. Spherical aberration-corrected electron microscopy is employed to confirm the atomic dispersion of high-density Co atoms on the nitrogen-doped carbon scaffold. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results verify the existence of Co-N-C active sites and their content changes with the Co content. The electrochemical results show that the electrocatalytic activity shows a volcano-shaped relationship, which increases with the Co content from 0 to 0.99 wt.% and then decreases when the presence of Co nanoparticles at 1.61 wt.%. The atomically dispersed Co-N-C catalyst with Co content of 0.99 wt.% shows an onset potential of 0.96 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a half-wave potential of 0.89 V vs. RHE toward ORR. The excellent ORR activity is attributed to the high density of the Co-N-C sites with high intrinsic activity and high specific surface area to expose more active sites. Full article
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10 pages, 2426 KiB  
Article
The Biomass of Pig-Blood-Derived Carbon as a Novel Electrode Material for Hydrogen Peroxide Electrochemical Sensing
by Guolei Liu, Xue Li, Qing Wang, Kuizhao Sun, Chuping Lee, Yue Cao, Weimeng Si, Haoran Wei, Zhongfang Li and Fagang Wang
Catalysts 2022, 12(11), 1438; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12111438 - 15 Nov 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1463
Abstract
In the work, a pig-blood-derived mesoporous carbon (BC) was prepared as a novel Fe-N-C material for the electrochemical sensor to detect hydrogen peroxide. Because of the unique nanostructure of Fe-BCs with rough surface structure, hierarchical pores, and high graphitization degree, the Fe-BCs, as [...] Read more.
In the work, a pig-blood-derived mesoporous carbon (BC) was prepared as a novel Fe-N-C material for the electrochemical sensor to detect hydrogen peroxide. Because of the unique nanostructure of Fe-BCs with rough surface structure, hierarchical pores, and high graphitization degree, the Fe-BCs, as a kind of advanced electrode material, exhibited remarkable performance in electrocatalysis. The sensor based on Fe-BCs exhibited an extra-long range from c and a detection limit of 0.046 μM (S/N = 3). The synthesis of low-cost, advanced carbon-based electrode materials from environmentally friendly pig blood for electrochemical sensor construction is a promising approach. Full article
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14 pages, 4983 KiB  
Article
Co(OH)2 Nanoflowers Decorated α-NiMoO4 Nanowires as a Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
by Zhiying Xu, Minghui Hao, Xin Liu, Jingjing Ma, Liang Wang, Chunhu Li and Wentai Wang
Catalysts 2022, 12(11), 1417; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12111417 - 11 Nov 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1774
Abstract
The development of bifunctional electrocatalysts with high catalytic activity and cyclic stability is an effective method for electrocatalytic water splitting. Herein, a promising hydroxide/oxide Co(OH)2/α-NiMoO4 NWs/CC heterostructure with nanoflowers decorating the nanowires was fabricated on a carbon cloth (CC) substrate [...] Read more.
The development of bifunctional electrocatalysts with high catalytic activity and cyclic stability is an effective method for electrocatalytic water splitting. Herein, a promising hydroxide/oxide Co(OH)2/α-NiMoO4 NWs/CC heterostructure with nanoflowers decorating the nanowires was fabricated on a carbon cloth (CC) substrate via hydrothermal and calcination methods. In contrast to one-dimensional nanomaterials, the interfaces of Co(OH)2 nanoflowers and α-NiMoO4 nanowires on CC provide more active sites for electrocatalytic reactions; therefore, they exhibit obviously enhanced electrocatalytic activities in overall water splitting. Specifically, the Co(OH)2/α-NiMoO4 NWs/CC electrodes exhibit an overpotential of 183.01 mV for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and of 170.26 mV for oxygen evolution reactions (OER) at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH. Moreover, the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of the Co(OH)2/α-NiMoO4 NWs/CC electrocatalyst was enhanced after long-term stability tests. Full article
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12 pages, 3626 KiB  
Article
Titanium Dioxide–Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Dyes in Water
by Lei Yu, Wenlong Xu, Huie Liu and Yan Bao
Catalysts 2022, 12(11), 1340; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12111340 - 02 Nov 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1589
Abstract
Dye wastewater due to industrialization, urbanization and academic activities has become one of the most important environmental issues today. Photocatalytic degradation technology is considered as a promising technology for treating dye wastewater due to its advantages of environmental protection and low energy consumption. [...] Read more.
Dye wastewater due to industrialization, urbanization and academic activities has become one of the most important environmental issues today. Photocatalytic degradation technology is considered as a promising technology for treating dye wastewater due to its advantages of environmental protection and low energy consumption. Herein, titanium dioxide–reduced graphene oxide composites (TiO2-RGO) were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method to degrade different dyes (methyl orange, methylene blue and rhodamine B) in water. The structure and morphology of TiO2-RGO were characterized using various technical approaches. The degradation effect of TiO2-RGO on the dye was in accordance with a first-order kinetic reaction. The degradation rate of TiO2-6%RGO for methyl orange at 15 min was 1.67 times higher than that of TiO2, due to the strong electron transport ability and excellent adsorption properties of graphene. TiO2-6%RGO has better degradation performance for fluorescent dyes and anionic azo dyes. Notably, the degradation rate of methyl orange by TiO2-6%RGO photocatalysis for 90 min could reach 96.9%. Meanwhile, the TiO2-6%RGO showed excellent reusability, as the initial degradation rate of 93.2% was maintained after five degradation cycles of methyl orange solution. The present work provides a universal strategy for designing efficient photocatalytic materials. Full article
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9 pages, 2010 KiB  
Communication
Auto-Combustion Synthesis of Mn1−xAgxCo2O4 Catalysts for Diesel Soot Combustion
by Huanrong Liu, Yanhong Chen, Dongmin Han, Weiwei Ma, Xiaodong Dai and Zifeng Yan
Catalysts 2022, 12(10), 1182; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12101182 - 06 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1090
Abstract
The increase in diesel consumption has led to the proliferation of soot particles from diesel exhaust, resulting in pollution in the form of smog. To solve this problem, a series of Ag-doped Mn1−xAgxCo2O4 spinel catalysts were [...] Read more.
The increase in diesel consumption has led to the proliferation of soot particles from diesel exhaust, resulting in pollution in the form of smog. To solve this problem, a series of Ag-doped Mn1−xAgxCo2O4 spinel catalysts were successfully prepared using an auto-combustion synthesis method that uses glucose as a fuel. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis were used to analyse the phase structure of the as-prepared samples. The results reveal that the selected catalysts featured a spinel-type structure. Moreover, the catalytic activity of the catalysts for soot combustion was evaluated by temperature-programmed reaction analysis. The temperature required for soot combustion depended heavily on the Ag concentration in the Mn1−xAgxCo2O4 catalyst. The Mn0.8Ag0.2Co2O4 catalyst had a superior catalytic activity with a T90 of 399 °C and CO2 selectivity of 99.3%. Full article
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14 pages, 3834 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of TaON/CdS Heterostructures for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution under Visible Light Irradiation
by Fu Chen, Haitao Fu, Xiaohong Yang, Shixian Xiong and Xizhong An
Catalysts 2022, 12(10), 1110; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12101110 - 25 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1429
Abstract
Developing high-performance photocatalysts for H2 production via fabricating heterojunctions has attracted much attention. Herein, we design a simple strategy to prepare composites that consist of TaON/CdS hybrids via a hydrothermal process. The results show that the pristine CdS nanoparticles loaded with 20 [...] Read more.
Developing high-performance photocatalysts for H2 production via fabricating heterojunctions has attracted much attention. Herein, we design a simple strategy to prepare composites that consist of TaON/CdS hybrids via a hydrothermal process. The results show that the pristine CdS nanoparticles loaded with 20 wt% TaON (TC4) could maximize the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate to 19.29 mmol g−1 h−1 under visible light irradiation, which was 2.13 times higher than that of the pristine CdS (9.03 mmol g−1 h−1) under the same conditions. The apparent quantum yield (AQY) of the TC4 nanocomposites at 420 nm was calculated to be 18.23%. The outstanding photocatalytic performance of the composites can be ascribed to the formation of heterojunctions. The electrochemical measurements indicate that the decoration facilitates the generation of extra photo-electrons, prolonging the recombination rate of photogenerated charge carriers, offering adequate active sites and improving catalytic stability. This study sheds light on the construction strategy and the deep understanding of the novel CdS-based composites for high-performance photocatalytic H2 production. Full article
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15 pages, 6289 KiB  
Article
Application of Zn1−xCdxS Photocatalyst for Degradation of 2-CP and TC, Catalytic Mechanism
by Jingxin Tan, Guoqiang Wei, Zhen Wang, Hui Su, Lingtao Liu, Chunhu Li and Junjie Bian
Catalysts 2022, 12(10), 1100; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12101100 - 23 Sep 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1359
Abstract
Zn1−xCdxS catalysts with Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) as the precursor were successfully prepared by ion exchange method, and the ability and electrochemical properties of a series of ZIF-8, ZnS and Zn1−xCdxS catalysts in photocatalytic degradation [...] Read more.
Zn1−xCdxS catalysts with Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) as the precursor were successfully prepared by ion exchange method, and the ability and electrochemical properties of a series of ZIF-8, ZnS and Zn1−xCdxS catalysts in photocatalytic degradation of 2-CP and TC were investigated. Doping of Cd ions was able to modulate the ZnS band gap width and improve the utilization of visible light by the photocatalyst. The nanocage catalysts with hollow structure of Zn1−xCdxS have better photocatalytic response. The removal of photocatalytic pollutants was up to 90% under optimal conditions. Using a Peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-assisted system to improve the degradation efficiency of 2-chlorophenol and tetracycline hydrochloride under visible light, we present a possible mechanism of Zn1−xCdxS as a photocatalyst for degradation in persistent pollutants and in PMS-assisted photocatalysis. Four active species, O2, h+, -OH, and SO4, can be generated to degrade 2-chlorophenol and tetracycline hydrochloride under PMS-assisted activation. Zn1−xCdxS nanocage with high activity and stability provides a feasible approach to catalytically remove persistent pollutants from aqueous solutions under visible light conditions. Full article
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10 pages, 3487 KiB  
Article
Interface Engineering-Induced 1T-MoS2/NiS Heterostructure for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
by Helei Wei, Aidong Tan, Wenbo Liu, Jinhua Piao, Kai Wan, Zhenxing Liang, Zhipeng Xiang and Zhiyong Fu
Catalysts 2022, 12(9), 947; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12090947 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3830
Abstract
Metal phase molybdenum disulfide (1T-MoS2) is considered a promising electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, an interface engineering-induced strategy is reported to prepare a 1T-MoS2/NiS heterostructure. The 1T-MoS2/NiS heterostructure exhibits an enhanced HER [...] Read more.
Metal phase molybdenum disulfide (1T-MoS2) is considered a promising electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, an interface engineering-induced strategy is reported to prepare a 1T-MoS2/NiS heterostructure. The 1T-MoS2/NiS heterostructure exhibits an enhanced HER activity compared with that of the 1T-MoS2 in 1.0 M KOH. It achieves an overpotential of 0.12 V at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a Tafel slope of 69 mV dec−1. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the interface engineering-induced 1T-MoS2/NiS heterostructure exhibits regulated electronic states of the S sites in 1T-MoS2, thus promoting the HER activity. This work demonstrates that tuning the electronic structure through interface engineering to enhance the intrinsic activity of electrocatalysts is a feasible strategy. Full article
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17 pages, 5102 KiB  
Article
Improve the Midpoint Voltage and Structural Stability of Li-Rich Manganese-Based Cathode Material by Increasing the Nickel Content
by Hongyu Wang, Feng Zhan, Haiqing Zhan and Xianquan Ming
Catalysts 2022, 12(6), 584; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12060584 - 26 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1698
Abstract
Lithium-rich manganese is a promising new-generation cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. However, it has the common problems of serious discharge capacity decline, poor rate performance, and faster midpoint voltage decay. In this experiment, a sol-gel method was used to synthesize a high-nickel, lithium-rich [...] Read more.
Lithium-rich manganese is a promising new-generation cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. However, it has the common problems of serious discharge capacity decline, poor rate performance, and faster midpoint voltage decay. In this experiment, a sol-gel method was used to synthesize a high-nickel, lithium-rich layered oxide (1 − x)Li1.2Mn0.54Co0.13Ni0.13O2 − xLiNiO2 (x = 0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0) that was characterized by XRD, SEM, XPS, TEM, and charge-discharge performance tests. The research results show that increasing Ni content can improve the stability of the material structure and enhance the electrochemical performance of the cathode material. When the LiNiO2 is 0.3, the electrochemical performance is better, the capacity retention rate is 100.3% after 60 cycles at a current density of 0.2 C, and the capacity retention rate for 100 cycles at 0.5 C is 99.0%. Full article
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11 pages, 3124 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of a Heterobinuclear Redox Cycle to Enhance the Photocatalytic Activity of BiOCl
by Dongmei Li, Guisheng Liu, Xiaojie Li, Zhuo Gao, Hangqi Shao and Zhongzhen Tian
Catalysts 2022, 12(5), 512; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12050512 - 04 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1463
Abstract
La3+ and Ni2+-doped BiOCl were prepared by sol–gel method and characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Their photocatalytic performances were investigated by the degradation of gentian violet under visible light. The results indicated that the co-doping of Ni and La [...] Read more.
La3+ and Ni2+-doped BiOCl were prepared by sol–gel method and characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Their photocatalytic performances were investigated by the degradation of gentian violet under visible light. The results indicated that the co-doping of Ni and La significantly enhanced the photocatalytic performance of BiOCl. The photodegradation efficiency of LaNiBiOCl reached 95.5% in 105 min, which was 1.5 times that of BiOCl. This significant enhancement in photocatalytic activity was mainly attributed to the effective capture and transfer of photogenerated electrons between heterobinuclear La and Ni redox cycle, which benefited the photodegradation of active h+ and the formation of active O2. Furthermore, the photodegradation activity did not show an obvious drop after five recycles, indicating that LaNiBiOCl was a promising semiconductor photocatalyst for the degradation of gentian violet. Full article
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11 pages, 2847 KiB  
Article
Pt/Pd Decorate MOFs Derived Co-N-C Materials as High-Performance Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
by Yuhang Jiang, Dejing Zhu, Xiangchuan Zhao, Zhaoyun Chu, Liping Zhang, Yue Cao and Weimeng Si
Catalysts 2022, 12(5), 482; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12050482 - 25 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2380
Abstract
We report here, a strategy to prepare Pt/Pd nanoparticles decorated with Co-N-C materials, where Co-N-C was obtained via pyrolysis of ZIF-67 directly. As-prepared Pt/Pd/Co-N-C catalysts showed excellent ORR performance, offered with a higher limit current density (6.6 mA cm−2) and similar [...] Read more.
We report here, a strategy to prepare Pt/Pd nanoparticles decorated with Co-N-C materials, where Co-N-C was obtained via pyrolysis of ZIF-67 directly. As-prepared Pt/Pd/Co-N-C catalysts showed excellent ORR performance, offered with a higher limit current density (6.6 mA cm−2) and similar half-wave potential positive (E1/2 = 0.84 V) compared with commercial Pt/C. In addition to an ORR activity, it also exhibits robust durability. The current density of Pt/Pd/Co-N-C decreased by only 9% after adding methanol, and a 10% current density loss was obtained after continuous testing at 36,000 s. Full article
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17 pages, 5379 KiB  
Article
Insight into Crystallization Features of MOR Zeolite Synthesized via Ice-Templating Method
by Shangqing Zhao, Haiwei Li, Weilong Zhang, Bo Wang, Xiaolong Yang, Yanhua Peng, Yan Zhang and Zhuo Li
Catalysts 2022, 12(3), 301; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12030301 - 07 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2697
Abstract
Hydrothermal, solvothermal or ionothermal routes are usually employed for the synthesis of zeolite, which is often accompanied by a high energy consumption, high cost and low efficiency. We have developed a novel route for the rapid and high yield synthesis of mordenite (MOR) [...] Read more.
Hydrothermal, solvothermal or ionothermal routes are usually employed for the synthesis of zeolite, which is often accompanied by a high energy consumption, high cost and low efficiency. We have developed a novel route for the rapid and high yield synthesis of mordenite (MOR) zeolite via an ice-templating method. In comparison with traditional hydrothermal synthesis, not only the high yield, but also the superior crystallinity, large reduction in water level and reaction pressure, simple device and conventional silica sources by this route can have great potential for the commercial production of pure MOR zeolite. Moreover, the changed bonding environment of silicon atoms in MOR zeolite, that is, a relative decrease in the tetrahedrally coordinated Si–O–Si bond, and accordingly, an increase in the T–OH (T = Si, Al) groups and Si–O–Al sites, remarkably enhances its acid strength. Full article
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

22 pages, 9165 KiB  
Review
A Review of Noble Metal Catalysts for Catalytic Removal of VOCs
by Shaoqi Chu, Enlai Wang, Fushan Feng, Changsheng Zhang, Jie Jiang, Qinqin Zhang, Fang Wang, Liancheng Bing, Guangjian Wang and Dezhi Han
Catalysts 2022, 12(12), 1543; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12121543 - 01 Dec 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3100
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are important precursors for the formation of secondary pollutants, such as fine particulate matter (PM) and ozone (O3), which will lead to severe atmospheric environmental problems to restrict the sustainable development of the social economy. Catalytic oxidation [...] Read more.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are important precursors for the formation of secondary pollutants, such as fine particulate matter (PM) and ozone (O3), which will lead to severe atmospheric environmental problems to restrict the sustainable development of the social economy. Catalytic oxidation is a safe, eco-friendly, and simple method for eliminating VOCs, which can be converted into CO2 and H2O without the generation of other harmful substances. The fabrication and development of catalysts are very crucial to enhance the catalytic oxidation efficiency of the removal of VOCs. The noble metal catalyst is one of the commonly used catalysts for the catalytic oxidation of VOCs because of the high reaction activity, good stability, poisoning-resistant ability, and easy regeneration. In this review, the research progress of noble metal (Pt, Pd, Au, Ag, and Ir) catalysts for the removal of VOCs in recent years was summarized with the discussion of the influence factors in the preparation process on the catalytic performance. The reaction mechanisms of the removal of VOCs over the corresponding noble metal catalysts were also briefly discussed. Full article
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