Dear Colleagues,

Ziegler–Natta (Z-N) catalysts for olefin polymerization are among the most important discoveries in chemistry. Formation of the active catalyst occurs in several steps and involves a MgCl₂ support to which TiCl₄ and a Lewis base are added. Lewis bases can be added during catalyst preparation (internal donor) or olefin polymerization (external donor). The internal donor drastically increases catalyst stereoselectivity, exerts a significant influence on catalyst regioselectivity, influences hydrogen responses, and modifies active site distribution. Development of the Z–N polymerization process involves five generations of catalysts in which electron donors perform a crucial function. In particular, the fourth generation of catalysts, which includes phthalate as an internal donor and organic siloxane as the external donor, has been successfully applied to produce highly isotactic polypropylenes. Since the development of the fourth generation of catalysts, several studies on electron donors have been carried out. Although Ziegler–Natta catalysis has been studied since 1953, investigations of the molecular level of the catalyst structure, the microkinetic mechanistic reaction paths, and the macrokinetic reaction engineering level of the total polymerization process remain popular research topics to this day. Thus, the main goal of this Special Issue is to present progress in Ziegler–Natta type catalysts for olefin polymerization.

Submissions to this Special Issue, “Advances in Ziegler–Natta Type Catalysts for Olefin Polymerization”, are welcome in the form of original research papers or short reviews reflecting on the knowledge in the field of Ziegler–Natta catalysts and their applications in olefin polymerization processes. These include but are not limited to Ziegler–Natta catalysts, internal donor, external donor, metallocene catalyst, catalyst preparation, catalytic mechanism, olefinic polymerization, and so on.

Prof. Dr. Kefeng Xie
Prof. Dr. Huayi Li
Prof. Dr. Yongxiao Bai
Dr. Wensheng Gao
Guest Editors

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• Ziegler–Natta catalysts
• internal donor
• external donor
• metallocene catalyst
• catalyst preparation
• catalytic mechanism
• olefinic polymerization