Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology | SinoGreenTech Research Archive

Browse by Publication Year & VolumeReset All Filters ✕

All Years (106)📅 2026(54)106

Select Specific Issue:

54 • 3 54 • 4 54 • 5 54 • 6 54 • 7 54 • 8

Published Research PapersFiltered: Year 2026 • 54 • 5

Showing 17 of 106 peer-reviewed papers with full Graphical Abstracts.

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60618-9• Jan 15, 2026

Advances in Catalytic Pyrolysis of Lignin toward Aromatic Hydrocarbon Production

Authors: NIE Weidong, SUN Daoxuan, TIAN Shue, CHEN Lei, YANG Shuangxia, LI Tianjin, DONG Zhiguo, XIE Xinping, JIN Fuqiang, YI Xiaolu, ZHAO Yuying, XU Meirong, LI Yong, ZHAO Baofeng, SI Hongyu, HUA Dongliang, SUN Laizhi

Aromatic hydrocarbons, essential chemical feedstocks for fuels, synthetic fibers, and pharmaceuticals, are predominantly derived from petroleum refining. The catalytic conversion of lignin, a major lignocellulosic component, offers a renewable route to these chemicals. This review systematically examines the influence of pyrolysis methods, catalysts, and reaction conditions on the catalytic pyrolysis of lignin to aromatic hydrocarbons. Key parameters include catalyst acidity and pore structure, which govern selectivity and yield. Reaction temperature, catalyst-to-lignin ratio, and residence time critically affect product distribution. The review outlines catalytic mechanisms, such as deoxygenation, cracking, and aromatization, and highlights the role of zeolite catalysts, particularly HZSM-5, in enhancing monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon yields. Metal modification (e.g., Fe, Ni, Ga) and pretreatment strategies (e.g., torrefaction) are discussed for improving efficiency. Challenges remain in catalyst deactivation due to coking and the complexity of lignin structure. Future research directions include developing robust catalysts, optimizing reactor designs, and integrating processes for industrial viability. This review provides theoretical and technological guidance for advancing lignin-to-aromatics conversion.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Advances in Catalytic Pyrolysis of Lignin toward Aromatic Hydrocarbon Production

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60611-6• Jan 15, 2026

Identification of Coal Characteristics by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: Machine Learning Predictions and Experimental Validations

Authors: AN Haiquan, LIU Zhen, LI Ye, PENG Baozi

Rapid and accurate determination of coal properties is critical for process optimization, quality control, and supply chain management in the coal industry. This study integrates near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with machine learning algorithms to develop a fast and reliable framework for predicting coal components. Five algorithms—support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), temporal convolutional network (TCN), one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D CNN), and gated recurrent unit (GRU)—were employed for regression modeling. Among these, the TCN model achieved the lowest mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.505, while the RF model exhibited the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.618, indicating robust predictive accuracy on the test set. The TCN model also demonstrated superior generalization with the lowest coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.042. Single-output models revealed differential performance: TCN was optimal for ash content prediction, while RF excelled for fixed carbon and low calorific value. Considering model parameters, computation time, and accuracy, RF, 1D CNN, and TCN were identified as the most efficient. SHAP value analysis identified key spectral peaks influencing predictions, with peak 52 (1141.35–1157.65 nm) showing the highest impact across all models. Distinct peaks were associated with specific components: peak 46 (1173.89–1179.23 nm) for ash, peak 18 (1382.19–1388.10 nm) for moisture, and peaks 5 and 28 (1914.79–1920.46 nm and 1267.38–1270.48 nm) for fixed carbon. This research provides a novel method for rapid coal testing and offers insights applicable to component analysis in other fields.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Identification of Coal Characteristics by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: Machine Learning Predictions and Experimental Validations

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60641-X• Jan 15, 2026

Alcoholysis of Waste Polycarbonate Plastic by Methanol into Bisphenol A under Mild Conditions

Authors: NA Heya, GAO Yu, WANG Xiaolu, HAO Jianxiu, ZHOU Huacong, BAN Yanpeng, LI Na, LIU Quansheng

Polycarbonate (PC) is a widely utilized engineering plastic, but its accumulation in waste streams poses environmental and health risks due to the leaching of toxic bisphenol A (BPA). This study presents a catalyst-free methanolysis route for the chemical recycling of waste PC into BPA under mild conditions. At 160 °C, complete depolymerization of PC (100.0% conversion) was achieved with a high BPA yield of 95.0% without any catalyst or auxiliary solvent. A scaled-up experiment with 10 g PC demonstrated a facile separation process, recovering BPA with over 85.0% yield. The method proved effective for various commercial PC grades and mixed plastics, including ABS-PC blends, as well as other polyesters such as polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, and polyethylene terephthalate. Based on SEM and GPC analyses, a probable alcoholysis depolymerization mechanism was proposed, involving initial swelling and gradual breakdown of PC into soluble macromolecules with broad molecular weight distribution, ultimately yielding BPA. This work offers a facile, green, and efficient approach for the alcoholysis recovery of polyester plastics, addressing both environmental concerns and sustainable resource utilization.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Alcoholysis of Waste Polycarbonate Plastic by Methanol into Bisphenol A under Mild Conditions

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60636-6• Jan 15, 2026

Direct Oxidation of Methanol to Polyoxymethylene Dimethyl Ethers over Sulfuric Acid-Modified Molybdenum-Doped NASICON Catalysts

Authors: CHENG Yitao, WANG Xiaqing, GAO Xiujuan, SONG Faen, WANG Xiaoxing, WU Yingquan, ZHANG Junfeng, HAN Yizhuo, ZHANG Qingde

Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (DMMx) are promising clean diesel additives. Compared to the traditional aldol condensation route, the one-step oxidative method for producing DMMx directly from methanol is a green synthesis route offering significant advantages. However, due to the complexity of the reaction, a balance must be struck between oxidation depth and C–O chain growth efficiency. This imposes specific requirements on the design of catalysts with multifunctional active sites: the catalyst should possess appropriate oxidative activity, suitable acid strength distribution, and effective synergy between these two functions. To address these challenges, this study designed a sulfuric acid-modified molybdenum-doped NASICON catalyst, which demonstrated favorable catalytic performance in the one-step oxidative synthesis of DMMx from methanol. Over the NSC-Mo-0.5-30% catalyst, methanol conversion rate of 81.3% and the DMMx selectivity of 58.7% were achieved, along with the formation of heavier molecules, as evidenced by the DMM2–6 selectivity of 11.3%. The NH3-TPD, Py-IR and XPS results indicate that the introduction of molybdenum increases the number of weak Lewis acid sites, while sulfuric acid impregnation not only generates gradient-distributed Brønsted acid sites but also promotes the formation of Mo5+/Mo6+ redox pairs. The cooperation of the two types of active sites significantly enhances catalyst performance.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Direct Oxidation of Methanol to Polyoxymethylene Dimethyl Ethers over Sulfuric Acid-Modified Molybdenum-Doped NASICON Catalysts

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60637-8• Jan 15, 2026

Investigation of the synergistic mechanism during biomass and coal gangue co-gasification

Authors: NIU Yonghong, SHAO Qing, LI Hao, ZHANG Zaiwei

Biomass is a sustainable green coal alternative, and its thermochemical conversion, particularly hydrogen-rich gasification, offers an effective pathway for high-value utilization. Co-gasification of biomass with coal gangue enables synergistic utilization of carbon resources, with significant potential for emission reduction and efficiency enhancement. To elucidate how typical biomass components govern the gasification process, three feedstocks with distinct dominant characteristics were selected: pine stick (high cellulose), soybean straw (high nitrogen), and corn stover (high ash with abundant K+). Under fixed conditions (850 °C, steam flow 2 mL/min, N2 flow 75 mL/min), co-gasification with coal gangue was investigated. Results indicated that compositional differences led to distinct synergistic patterns and product distributions. All systems achieved the highest hydrogen yield at a 5:5 raw material mass ratio. The high-cellulose pine stick system yielded the most H2 (9.06 mmol/g) and H2+CO yield (15.25 mmol/g), exhibiting a 'three high, three low' advantage due to efficient volatile reforming. In contrast, the high-ash/K+ corn stover system showed the strongest synergy for CO (SI = 1.22), promoted by the catalytic Boudouard reaction. The high-nitrogen soybean straw system achieved an optimal H2/CO ratio (2.00) but suffered from suppressed syngas yield due to inhibitory nitrogenous tars. This study confirms that biomass composition—specifically cellulose, ash/K+, and nitrogen content—differentially regulates syngas production and synergy by steering dominant reaction pathways, providing a theoretical basis for targeted conversion of waste resources.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Investigation of the synergistic mechanism during biomass and coal gangue co-gasification

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60623-2• Jan 15, 2026

Robust Microwave Catalytic Oxidative Coupling of Methane over Mn2O3-TiO2-Na2WO4/SiO2+SiC

Authors: SUN Ruize, LI Ran, ZHOU Jicheng, XU Wentao

Oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) is a promising route for direct conversion of methane to C2–C3 hydrocarbons, but conventional thermal catalysis suffers from insufficient conversion and selectivity. Here, we report a novel Mn2O3-TiO2-Na2WO4/SiO2+SiC microwave catalyst prepared by ball-milling, which enables efficient OCM under microwave irradiation. At 700 °C, the microwave catalytic reaction mode (MCRM) achieves a CH4 conversion of 26.6%, a C2–C3 selectivity of 76.5%, and a C2–C3 yield of 20.4%, significantly outperforming the conventional reaction mode (CRM) under identical conditions (12.3%, 61.9%, and 7.5%, respectively). The catalyst exhibits stable performance for 20 h in MCRM, maintaining CH4 conversion above 25% and C2–C3 selectivity above 76%. Characterization (XRD, XPS, O2-TPD, Raman) reveals that calcination promotes Mn–Ti interaction, increasing peroxy species and lattice oxygen (Oγ), which enhance reactivity and selectivity. Notably, microwave irradiation reduces the apparent activation energy from 173 kJ/mol (CRM) to 27.5 kJ/mol, facilitating free radical coupling and suppressing deep oxidation. These findings provide a low-temperature, energy-efficient strategy for methane valorization, contributing to sustainable chemical manufacturing.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Robust Microwave Catalytic Oxidative Coupling of Methane over Mn2O3-TiO2-Na2WO4/SiO2+SiC

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2026.JFCT.0001• Jan 15, 2026

Research progress on solid acid catalysts for enhanced CO2 desorption from alkanolamine solutions in the past five years

Authors: TAN Zhan, ZHANG Xiaowen, HE Huiling, ZHANG Zhiyang, LIU Yuxiang, MAO Jiayu, YOU Kuiyi, LUO Hean

The escalating global demand for carbon reduction has positioned chemical absorption using alkanolamine solvents as the predominant post-combustion CO2 capture technology, owing to its high absorption efficiency and process maturity. However, the regeneration of CO2-rich solvents is energy-intensive, with the desorption step accounting for 40.0%–60.0% of total energy consumption. Traditional amine-based methods suffer from high energy penalties, solvent degradation, and equipment corrosion, limiting scalability. Catalytic CO2 desorption, employing solid acid catalysts (SACs), has emerged to address these challenges by lowering the activation energy for CO2 release, enhancing reaction kinetics, and enabling efficient regeneration at lower temperatures (110–130 °C reduced). This review systematically examines research from the past five years on key catalyst materials, focusing on structure-activity relationships, synergistic mechanisms of Lewis acid, Brønsted acid, and basic sites, and their influence on desorption pathways. It highlights that SACs not only improve desorption dynamics but also facilitate catalyst recovery, avoiding adverse effects on absorption. The paper analyzes current scientific and technological challenges, including catalyst stability, selectivity, and scale-up, and provides an outlook on industrial application in low-cost carbon capture. Key findings indicate that catalysts such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), heteropolyacids, and waste-derived materials can reduce regeneration energy by up to 30%–40% while maintaining high desorption efficiency. The review underscores the potential of catalytic regeneration to significantly lower operational costs and enhance the viability of amine-based CO2 capture in industrial settings.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Research progress on solid acid catalysts for enhanced CO2 desorption from alkanolamine solutions in the past five years

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60652-4• Jan 15, 2026

Fluorescence Nanoscopy Unveils the Black Box of Industrial Zeolite Catalysts: Mechanisms and Optimization of Mass Transfer-Acidity-Coke Formation

Authors: GUAN Huimin, TANG Qin, ZHANG Junyi, ZHANG Meihua, HUANG Yixing, WANG Huan, DUAN Hongchang, QIN Yucai, SONG Lijuan

The performance of industrial zeolite catalysts, exemplified by fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts, is governed by microscopic behaviors including mass transfer, acidity, and coking. Conventional characterization techniques such as XRD, N2 physisorption, and TPD provide bulk-averaged or static ex situ information, failing to resolve dynamic processes under realistic reaction conditions. Recent advances in super-resolution fluorescence imaging enable nanoscale visualization of these key processes. This review systematically summarizes three critical applications: (1) Mass transfer diffusion: heterogeneous diffusion of reactant molecules within hierarchical pore networks is revealed, quantifying diffusion barriers and tortuosity. (2) Acid site accessibility: nanoscale localization of acid sites and their accessibility is achieved, correlating with catalytic activity. (3) Coking behavior: spatiotemporal evolution of coke species is identified, linking coke precursors to deactivation. The review elaborates how super-resolution imaging deepens understanding of fundamental catalytic mechanisms, providing theoretical support for rational design of high-performance catalysts through pore structure optimization, acid site regulation, and coking suppression. Current challenges and future directions are discussed, emphasizing the need for in situ correlation with catalytic performance.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Fluorescence Nanoscopy Unveils the Black Box of Industrial Zeolite Catalysts: Mechanisms and Optimization of Mass Transfer-Acidity-Coke Formation

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0031• Jan 15, 2026

High-Temperature Ash Behavior of Biomass: A Comparative Study of Corn and Wheat Straw

Authors: WU Jiawei, LIANG Yonghuang, HUANG Kejie, PEI Xinping, HAN Xin, LI Jinfan, ZHANG Yong, MA Zhichao, CHEN Hao, LIU Ke, LI Junguo

The high-temperature behavior of biomass ash critically influences gasifier operational efficiency. This study investigates the differential high-temperature behaviors of corn straw ash (CSA) and wheat straw ash (WSA) using an intelligent ash fusion analyzer, high-temperature rotating viscometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM-EDS, and FactSage thermodynamic simulations. Both ashes contain high K2O (>30%) and exhibit flow temperatures below 1300 °C. Despite higher K2O and lower SiO2, CSA exhibits a higher flow temperature (1241 °C) than WSA, attributed to elevated CaO (10.39%) and MgO (7.33%) that promote formation of high-melting silicates (K2MgSiO4, K2Ca2Si2O7, CaSiO3). In contrast, WSA with lower CaO (4.92%) and MgO (2.82%) tends to form low-melting potassium silicates. At high temperatures, both slags are typical crystalline slags, with viscosity rising sharply below a critical temperature. For CSA, rapid nucleation and coarsening of silicate crystals (e.g., KAlSiO4 grain size increases from 20.5 nm at 1350 °C to 192.9 nm at 1050 °C) cause abrupt viscosity increase. For WSA, a high P2O5 content (10.05%) induces a 'chemical dilution effect', leading to persistent KAlSiO4 during cooling and elevated viscosity, especially at the final cooling stage. This study elucidates how ash chemical composition governs high-temperature phase equilibrium and non-equilibrium kinetics, thereby macroscopically affecting ash fusion and rheological behavior, providing a theoretical basis for deeper understanding of biomass ash high-temperature characteristics.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

High-Temperature Ash Behavior of Biomass: A Comparative Study of Corn and Wheat Straw

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60649-4• Jan 15, 2026

Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin-Derived Phenolic Compounds Catalyzed by NiCo Bimetallic Catalyst Supported on N-Doped Biochar and Al2O3

Authors: LIANG Guangming, CHEN Yu, LIN Zhengtao, LÜ Wei, LONG Weijie, TIAN Zhipeng, WANG Chao, CHEN Ying, SHU Riyang

To achieve efficient conversion of lignin-derived phenolic compounds into high-value hydrocarbon fuels, a series of NiCo bimetallic catalysts with N-doped biochar and Al2O3 composite supports (NiCo/NC-Al2O3) were designed and synthesized. Comprehensive characterizations (XRD, TEM, XPS, H2-TPD) revealed the superior catalytic activity in the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignin-derived phenolic compounds. The optimized Ni8Co2/NC-Al2O3 catalyst exhibited good metal dispersion and excellent hydrogen dissociation adsorption capacity. Under mild reaction conditions (240°C, 1 MPa H2, 4 h), it achieved complete conversion of guaiacol and 99.9% selectivity to cyclohexane, significantly outperforming monometallic Ni10/NC-Al2O3 and Co10/NC-Al2O3 catalysts. Comparative studies indicated a synergistic effect between Ni and Co, where the introduction of Co effectively promoted aromatic ring hydrogenation and C−O bond cleavage. The catalyst maintained high activity after four reuse cycles, demonstrating outstanding structural stability. This study elucidates the regulatory mechanism of the Ni-Co synergistic effect on catalytic performance, providing new insights for the development of efficient non-noble metal HDO catalysts.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin-Derived Phenolic Compounds Catalyzed by NiCo Bimetallic Catalyst Supported on N-Doped Biochar and Al2O3

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60635-4• Jan 15, 2026

Selective Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols to Aldehydes Catalyzed by HKUST-1-Derived Cu-Based Carbon Material and TEMPO

Authors: LUO Yang, ZHANG Shujing, MA Hong, WANG Chenguang

A Cu-based carbon catalyst (H-Cu/C) with octahedral morphology was synthesized by pyrolyzing the metal-organic framework (MOF) precursor HKUST-1 under inert N2 atmosphere. Characterization via XPS, XRD, SEM, and HRTEM revealed that Cu(0) nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in a carbon matrix, with island-like Cu2O structures serving as active sites. The carbon matrix effectively stabilized the metal nanoparticles, suppressing migration and sintering during reaction. Combined with TEMPO and using molecular oxygen as a green oxidant, the H-Cu/C catalyst exhibited high efficiency in the selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols to corresponding aldehydes under alkali-free conditions. Using benzyl alcohol as a model substrate, an alcohol conversion of 99.2% and a benzaldehyde yield of 94.1% were achieved under mild conditions (100 °C, 0.5 MPa O2, 1 h). The catalytic system demonstrated excellent universality for various mono- and ortho/para-disubstituted aromatic alcohols, affording conversions over 99% and aldehyde yields above 95%. The catalyst could be regenerated via H2 reduction and reused without significant loss of activity. This work provides a new strategy for designing green and efficient non-noble metal catalytic systems for oxidation reactions.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Selective Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols to Aldehydes Catalyzed by HKUST-1-Derived Cu-Based Carbon Material and TEMPO

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0035• Jan 15, 2026

Structural Evolution of χ-Fe5C2 and θ-Fe3C in the Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction

Authors: SUN Zeping, LIANG Ruikang, WEI Zidu, ZHANG Chao, XIANG Hongwei, WU Jianbing, LIU Xingwu

Iron-based catalysts in CO2/H2 atmospheres undergo dynamic carburization and oxidation phase transitions, complicating active-phase identification and stability control. This study prepared high-purity single-phase χ-Fe5C2 (Hägg carbide) and θ-Fe3C (cementite) via gas-solid carburization, with purity confirmed by XRD and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Fixed-bed reactor tests (H2/CO2 = 1, 0.1 MPa, 270–420 °C), pulse experiments (270 °C), and in situ XRD (10% CO2/He, 340 °C) were employed to investigate catalytic performance and structural evolution in the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction. Results show that χ-Fe5C2 exhibits higher RWGS activity but is more susceptible to oxidation, whereas θ-Fe3C demonstrates superior oxidation resistance but lower activity. Under RWGS conditions with H2, θ-Fe3C partially transforms into χ-Fe5C2; however, in 10% CO2 atmosphere, both carbides directly oxidize to Fe3O4 without inter-carbide transformation. In situ XRD at 340 °C and 0.1 MPa revealed that χ-Fe5C2 fully oxidizes within 11 h, while θ-Fe3C retains residual phase after 18.3 h, confirming its higher oxidation stability. These findings elucidate the atmosphere-dependent evolution mechanisms of χ-Fe5C2 and θ-Fe3C, providing experimental basis for phase-structure regulation and operational stability optimization in iron-based Fischer-Tropsch and RWGS catalysts.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Structural Evolution of χ-Fe5C2 and θ-Fe3C in the Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60654-8• Jan 15, 2026

Negative-Carbon Electrochemical CO2 Capture Technology Powered by Green Electricity

Authors: WANG Xingran, FAN Huilin, LIN Chao, LI Xiaopeng, LUO Wei

The declining costs of renewable energy are progressively improving the economic viability of employing electrochemical techniques for carbon dioxide capture. Electrochemical carbon capture (ECC) technology utilizes electrical energy to drive electrode reactions, enabling the selective separation of CO2. The vigorous development of ECC powered by renewable energy offers a promising alternative route to conventional carbon capture methods, overcoming limitations associated with thermally driven capture and release cycles. This approach provides a promising alternative route that is more efficient, flexible, scalable, low-energy-consuming and low-polluting for traditional carbon capture technologies. This review begins by introducing established, large-scale carbon capture technologies, such as pre-combustion capture, post-combustion capture, oxy-fuel combustion, adsorption, membrane separation and the calcium looping process. It then transitions to several rapidly developing ECC technologies, including electrochemically mediated amine regeneration (EMAR), pH-swing-mediated systems, and methods involving redox-active molecules. The pH-swing systems are further categorized into bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED), proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET), and membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI). For each method, the underlying principles, technological advancements, advantages, as well as current problems and challenges, are systematically elucidated. It is anticipated that with the widespread deployment of green electricity and persistent innovation in electrochemical materials, ECC technology will emerge as a highly efficient and low-carbon strategy, contributing significantly to the global goal of achieving carbon neutrality.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Negative-Carbon Electrochemical CO2 Capture Technology Powered by Green Electricity

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60660-3• Jan 15, 2026

Research Progress on Catalyst Design and Reaction Mechanisms for Heterogeneous Oxygen Oxidation of Light Hydrocarbons

Authors: ZENG Zhuang, LI Bin, XIA Changjiu, ZHANG Xiaoxin

Catalytic oxidation is a pivotal technology for the valorization of light hydrocarbons, with oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) and epoxidation using molecular oxygen attracting significant interest due to high atom economy and environmental friendliness. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the oxidative dehydrogenation of light alkanes (ethane, propane) and aerobic epoxidation of light olefins (ethylene, propylene). For rational catalyst design, it elaborates on performance regulation strategies for metal oxide catalysts such as MoVNbTeOx mixed oxides, NiO-based, and V-based systems, as well as carbon/boron-based non-metal catalysts in alkane ODH, and silver- and copper-based catalysts in alkene epoxidation. Strategies include regulating the oxidation state of active sites, exploiting strong metal-support interactions, engineering particle size and crystal facets, and promoter modification. At the mechanistic level, combining density functional theory calculations with in situ characterization, the review examines C–H bond activation and alkene desorption pathways in ODH, and oxygen insertion routes and competing side reactions in epoxidation. Special attention is given to the dynamic evolution of electrophilic and nucleophilic oxygen species and their decisive role in selectivity. Persistent challenges include suppressing over-oxidation and overcoming the conversion–selectivity trade-off. Future directions propose precise design of active centers, development of inherently safer processes, and in-depth analysis of complex reaction networks, supporting the green transition of the chemical industry.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Research Progress on Catalyst Design and Reaction Mechanisms for Heterogeneous Oxygen Oxidation of Light Hydrocarbons

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0036• Jan 15, 2026

Research Progress on Bifunctional Catalysts for Hydrogenation of COx to Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Authors: FAN Yingnuo, WANG Sen, DONG Mei, FAN Weibin

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a clean fuel and essential chemical feedstock. This review summarizes recent advances in the hydrogenation of CO and CO2 (COx) to LPG, focusing on the design and optimization of bifunctional catalysts. The adsorption and activation of COx on various metal oxide surfaces, as well as the influence of zeolite pore structure and acidity on LPG selectivity, are critically evaluated. The synergistic effects between metal oxide and zeolite components in promoting LPG production and enhancing catalyst stability are elucidated. Key catalyst systems, including GaZrOx/H-SSZ-13 and InZrOx-Beta composites, demonstrate high selectivity to propane and isobutane-enriched C4 alkanes, respectively. The review highlights the importance of balancing methanol synthesis and hydrocarbon conversion functionalities to achieve high LPG yields while suppressing undesired methane and CO formation. Challenges such as catalyst deactivation and the need for precise control of acid site density are discussed. This work provides theoretical guidance for the rational design of highly efficient catalytic systems for COx hydrogenation to LPG, contributing to carbon resource utilization and emission reduction.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Research Progress on Bifunctional Catalysts for Hydrogenation of COx to Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60626-8• Jan 15, 2026

Design Strategies and Recent Advances in Cellulase-Mimetic Solid Acid Catalysts

Authors: WANG Youhua, CAO Shuling, LONG Tianyi, ZOU Chuanjun, CHENG Xu, ZHU Wanbin, WANG Hongliang

The dense crystalline structure and limited accessibility of cellulose severely hinder its efficient catalytic conversion. In response, biomimetic solid acid catalysts inspired by cellulase binding domains (CBDs) have emerged as a promising strategy to enhance cellulose hydrolysis by mimicking the substrate recognition and enrichment functions of natural enzymes. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the design of CBD-mimetic solid acids based on four representative strategies: electrostatic anchoring, hydrophobic microenvironment engineering, spatial confinement, and covalent lock-and-key mechanisms. The underlying principles of these approaches, including substrate-specific recognition, local concentration enhancement, and synergistic “adsorption-catalysis” effects, are critically discussed to elucidate their contributions in improving catalytic affinity, selectivity, and durability. Despite significant progress, challenges such as mass-transfer resistance and insufficient structural robustness remain in complex biomass conversion systems. Looking forward, the integration of sub-enzymatic materials, such as carbon quantum dots (CQDs), into biomimetic catalysts offers new opportunities to achieve efficient, recyclable, and hierarchically organized catalytic systems, thereby providing a powerful route for the sustainable valorization of cellulose and other lignocellulosic resources.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Design Strategies and Recent Advances in Cellulase-Mimetic Solid Acid Catalysts

Graphical Abstract

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60701-3• Jan 15, 2026

Construction of electron-rich active sites in the metallic active phase of iron-based hydrogenation catalysts and their regulation on HDN pathway selectivity

Authors: LI Xiaohan, LI Meng, WEI Chongbin, REN Shenyong, GUO Qiaoxia, ZHU Xiaochun, SHEN Baojian

Hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) is an effective method for removing nitrogen-containing heteroatom compounds from inferior feedstocks, with the core challenge being the development of catalysts that combine low cost and high performance. In this study, a FeZn-supported catalyst was modified by introducing six different metal promoters (La, Ti, Ce, Mn, Mg, and Cr). It was found that Cr exhibited a pronounced promotional effect on HDN performance. The promoting effect of Cr on the FeZn catalyst's activity originates from its electronic interaction with sulfided Fe species, rather than functioning as an independent active site. Specifically, Cr and Zn species act synergistically as electron donors, transferring electron density to the sulfided Fe species, thereby modulating the electronic structure of Fe to render it in an electron-rich state. This increased electronic density weakens the Fe–S bonds in the active phase, promoting their cleavage and facilitating the formation of hydrogenation active sites known as coordinated unsaturated sulfur vacancies (CUS). After introducing 3% Cr, under conditions of 340–380 °C, 4 MPa pressure, and a high weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of 8.7 h−1, the catalyst's HDN conversion rate for the basic nitrogen compound quinoline increased by 14.5%–19.7% compared to the unmodified catalyst, reaching 81.9% at 380 °C. Furthermore, Cr introduction increased the number of medium-strength Lewis acid sites, which work synergistically with the increased CUS sites to enhance overall hydrogenation activity. Cr addition effectively governs the selectivity of the HDN pathway, with the reaction rate constant for the deep hydrogenation pathway over the FeZn3Cr@GA catalyst reaching 3.2 times that of the unmodified FeZn@GA catalyst. In summary, using Fe as the primary active metal component and regulating its electronic structure through promoters represents an effective approach for designing low-cost, high-performance HDN catalysts.

Read Full Research Article→Download Authentic PDF

Construction of electron-rich active sites in the metallic active phase of iron-based hydrogenation catalysts and their regulation on HDN pathway selectivity

Graphical Abstract