ChemCatChem最新文献

The Front Cover illustrates the dynamics of atomic-scale reactions using both models and real images. The nickel atoms, depicted in purple, represent active centers on the catalyst surface, while the red oxygen, black carbon, and white hydrogen atoms signify the reacting gas molecules. The blue-gray atoms in the background symbolize the alumina support. The real TEM image is in the background: the Octopus carbon formed over large Ni particles due to a favorable methane adsorption over metal, while CO₂ is preferentially adsorbed on the support. In their Research Article (DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202401856), D. Uner and co-workers report how they successfully characterized the carbon structures through SS ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and how intermittent pulses of CO₂ inhibited coke formation during steady-state reaction under CO₂/CH₄ = 1:1. Art by Yaren Uslu.

The Cover Feature shows phenanthroline and a pyridinium amidate (PYA) ligand competing for the “Best Ligand for Palladium in a Nitroarene Carbonylation Reaction” championship. For the first time, a new ligand is successfully challenging phenanthroline for this title. Palladium, acting as judge, certifies the same score for both ligands. More information can be found in the Research Article by F. Ragaini, M. Albrecht and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202401933).

The Cover Feature illustrates a method to convert CO₂ emissions into CH₄ by using a 3D-printed carbon monolith with a circular channel design. Inside, NiO-CeO₂ nanoparticles are deposited after blocking the carbon porosity with MgO to prevent their becoming embedded in the carbonaceous matrix. On the left, the origin of the starting reagents is shown. In the middle, the monolith impregnated with MgO and the active phase is displayed. Finally, CH₄ is generated and delivered to houses as synthetic natural gas. More information can be found in the Research Article by I. Martínez-López, A. Bueno-López and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202401806).

The Front Cover depicts the effects of transition from subcritical to supercritical media for the deconstruction of plastics. In their Review (DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202401725), L. Gurrala and A. R. C. Morais have summarized the current state-of-the-art for the chemical transformation of plastic wastes by using supercritical fluids. This cover art was created by Rita Clare/Scivetica.

CO₂ is a major contributor to global warming, leading to severe environment and human health consequences. Catalytic hydrogenation has emerged as one of the most promising strategies to mitigate CO₂ emissions. However, the catalytic performance of existing catalysts remains suboptimal. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of oxygen vacancy (OV) engineering to enhance catalytic performance by activating reactants, accelerating electron transport, and tuning the surface chemical properties of catalysts. Despite its importance, a comprehensive review of OV engineering in CO₂ hydrogenation reactions is lacking. This review systematically examines recent advancements in OV engineering for the design of novel catalytic materials for CO₂ hydrogenation reactions. It covers key aspects such as construction methods, characterization techniques, and catalytic functions of OVs. Additionally, the review addresses the challenges in catalyst synthesis and characterization, while outlining potential future directions for the field. This review aims to provide valuable insights for the development of highly efficient CO₂ hydrogenation catalysts.

The Cover Feature depicts the hydroxylation of benzene to phenol in the presence of a nickel pentadentate catalyst and hydrogen peroxide. The highly inert nature of the C─H bonds of benzene is represented by a spherical cage secured with a locked chain. However, the powerful nickel catalyst and oxidant act as a key, facilitating the selective oxidation of one of the C─H bonds to produce phenol. More information can be found in the Research Article by M. Sankaralingam and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202401645).

The Front Cover highlights recent advances in tandem strategies for CO₂ electrochemical reduction, spanning electrocatalyst design to reaction systems. The Review by J.-L. Luo and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202401604) summarizes tandem catalysts from the atomic to the macroscale, internal product upgrades during tandem reactions, and tandem multi-physical fields. Various tandem systems, including two-step electrochemical, electrochemical–thermochemical, and electrochemical–microbial tandem systems are discussed, offering insights into rational tandem design and guidance for developing efficient energy conversion systems.

Doping of non-metallic elements is considered a promising strategy for metal oxide catalysts modification in alkane oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH). It can avoid over-oxidation of alkane and improve product selectivity. Regulating electronic properties of oxygen species on cerium oxide (CeO₂) surface is effective for cyclohexane ODH to cyclohexene. In this work, the catalytic performance of CeO₂ in cyclohexane ODH is regulated by halogens (F, Cl, and I). Halide solution-etched of CeO₂ nanorods effectively inhibits cyclohexane over-oxidation while promoting cyclohexene generation. At 350 °C, optimal catalysts have good cyclohexene yields of 11.7%. Halogen modification changes reactive oxygen species distribution and oxygen nucleophilicity over catalysts. Pulsed oxygen isotope exchange experiments show halogen modification limits oxygen doping rate. Active O₂⁻ and O²⁻ help convert cyclohexane to cyclohexene, while O₂²⁻ and O⁻ cause over-oxidation. Halogen modification is valuable for alkane ODH and helps optimize CeO₂-based catalysts.

The Front Cover highlights greener systems for CO₂ capture and reduction into CO (CCR) by using bifunctional catalysts. The synergistic effects of a direct-current electric field and developed Na-modified Pt nanoparticles on TiO₂ as a bifunctional catalyst realized selective CO production through CCR under low-temperature isothermal conditions. More information can be found in the Research Article by S. Ogo and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202401775).

As a society journal, co-owned by the cooperative of societies that make up Chemistry Europe. ChemCatChem plays a significant role in the dissemination of catalysis research and is committed to supporting researchers at every stage of their careers. In this Editorial, we present our new Editorial and Early Career Advisory Boards.