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Published Research PapersFiltered: Year 2026 • 54 • 8

Showing 18 of 106 peer-reviewed papers with full Graphical Abstracts.

Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60692-5• Jan 15, 2026

Clean and Green: Harnessing Long Persistent Luminescence for Advanced Catalysis

Authors: HUANG Haiyan, YANG Yarong, ZHAO Zhuoya, LIU Dingyi, WANG Xuan, WU Shuqi, QIN Yong, MIAO Jiaojiao

Long persistent luminescence materials (LPLMs) have demonstrated significant potential in photo- and electro-catalysis due to their unique capability of storing and controllably releasing photogenerated charge carriers. These materials offer innovative solutions for environmental remediation and sustainable energy technologies. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the application of LPLs in photo- and electro-catalysis, outlining their developmental history and underlying mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on their applications in organic pollutant degradation, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, and photovoltaic cells. Furthermore, design strategies and research frameworks for LPLs are discussed. The current limitations and challenges in this field are examined, and future research directions are proposed to facilitate the transition of LPLMs from fundamental research to practical applications in energy and the environment. Key materials such as SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ exhibit afterglow lasting up to 30 hours, enabling round-the-clock catalytic activity. Composite systems like g-C3N4@Au@SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ and Cu|CuO/SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ have achieved efficient degradation and simultaneous hydrogen evolution. Z-scheme heterojunctions, e.g., Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+/Ag3PO4, demonstrate enhanced performance. The review highlights the potential of LPLMs to overcome the limitation of intermittent light sources, providing a pathway for continuous catalytic processes.

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Clean and Green: Harnessing Long Persistent Luminescence for Advanced Catalysis

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60684-6• Jan 15, 2026

Crystal Facet Effect of WO3 in Heterogeneous Catalysis: A Review

Authors: ZHANG Miao, WANG Huixiang, LI Huipeng, ZHANG Deshun, XU Jingwen, REN Duojia, ZHANG Wei, XUE Shoufeng, LÜ Baoliang

Tungsten trioxide (WO3) is a transition metal oxide of significant interest in heterogeneous catalysis due to its environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and favorable electrical properties. The catalytic performance of WO3 is strongly dependent on its exposed crystal facets, which exhibit distinct physicochemical properties including charge separation efficiency, reactant adsorption capacity, and redox activity. These differences arise from variations in atomic arrangement, electronic structure, and surface energy. This review systematically examines the facet effect of WO3 across photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and thermal catalysis. Theoretical calculations are integrated to elucidate the intrinsic mechanisms underlying facet-dependent behavior from an atomic structure perspective. The paper synthesizes general rules governing the WO3 facet effect across these applications, critically assesses current research limitations, and outlines future directions. Key findings highlight that facet engineering enables precise tuning of catalytic activity and selectivity, with specific facets such as {001}, {110}, and {010} demonstrating enhanced performance in various reactions. The review underscores the importance of morphology control in optimizing WO3-based catalysts and identifies challenges in achieving facet-selective synthesis and stability under operational conditions. Future research should focus on advanced characterization techniques and computational modeling to further unravel facet-dependent mechanisms and guide rational catalyst design.

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Crystal Facet Effect of WO3 in Heterogeneous Catalysis: A Review

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60666-4• Jan 15, 2026

Research Progress on Cobalt-Based Catalysts for the Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Ethanol

Authors: BIAN Linghui, WANG Jing, DING Chenyu, SUN Wenjing, WANG Ning

The catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to ethanol is a pivotal technology for carbon neutrality and high-value chemical production. Cobalt-based catalysts, with their unique electronic structure and tunability, are promising for this reaction, yet challenges persist: low single-pass CO2 conversion, ethanol selectivity below 60%, and rapid deactivation. This review systematically analyzes recent progress, establishing the thermodynamic and kinetic framework, and dissecting molecular-level mechanisms, particularly C–C bond formation and controlled oxygen removal. It critically evaluates synergistic effects among metallic Co, Co2C, CoOx, and bimetallic configurations, emphasizing structure-activity relationships influenced by supports and promoters. Inverse catalysts and tandem systems are reviewed, along with water's role as a hydrogen source. The review identifies shortcomings and advocates for advanced in situ/operational characterization and theoretical modeling to guide next-generation catalyst design. Key findings from cited studies include: Co/La4Ga2O9 achieving high selectivity (reference [85]); K-loaded Cu/CoOx boosting ethanol production (reference [86]); Ga-promoted CuCo catalysts with Cu-CoGaOx interfacial sites (reference [88]); and Mo-tailored CoFe alloys suppressing over-carburization (reference [89]). These insights provide a framework for developing efficient cobalt-based systems, deepening mechanistic understanding, and accelerating sustainable ethanol production.

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Research Progress on Cobalt-Based Catalysts for the Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Ethanol

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60721-9• Jan 15, 2026

A Review of Methane Photocatalytic Systems

Authors: WANG Yingxiao, CHEN Pengyu, HAO Yingdong, WEI Wei, SUN Nannan

Methane (CH4), the primary component of natural gas, is an ideal feedstock for producing high-value chemicals and clean fuels due to its high hydrogen-to-carbon ratio. However, its chemical inertness poses significant challenges, and traditional thermal catalytic reforming processes suffer from long reaction pathways and high energy consumption. Photocatalytic technology enables highly selective CH4 conversion under mild conditions, even at room temperature, offering environmental and economic benefits. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in room-temperature photocatalytic systems for direct CH4 conversion. It begins by elucidating the mechanisms, product distributions, and inherent challenges of four key reaction pathways: partial oxidation, non-oxidative coupling, oxidative coupling, and oxidative carbonylation. The discussion then addresses the critical role of catalyst architecture, focusing on semiconductor supports, metal site modulation, and advanced porous frameworks. Furthermore, reactor design and process intensification strategies are examined, including batch and continuous-flow reactors, novel structured reactors, and photo-electro and photo-thermo synergistic approaches. Finally, reaction mechanisms are summarized. Despite progress, challenges remain in fundamental understanding, performance evaluation, and technological integration. Future efforts should focus on mechanistic studies, standardization of evaluation protocols, development of non-noble metal catalysts, system optimization, and comprehensive sustainability assessments.

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A Review of Methane Photocatalytic Systems

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60671-8• Jan 15, 2026

Catalytic conversion of CO2-rich syngas to high-quality gasoline hydrocarbons over In2O3-ZrO2/SAPO-11 catalysts

Authors: ZHOU Tingting, LI Xueli, ZHANG Gang, YAO Jingang, YI Weiming

The conversion of CO2 into gasoline-range hydrocarbons represents a sustainable pathway to achieve deep decarbonization in the transportation sector. Nevertheless, the traditional Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) suffers from a broad product distribution, which restricts the achievable selectivity toward C5−C11 gasoline-range hydrocarbons to roughly 45%. This study presents the development of a bifunctional catalyst that integrates In2O3/ZrO2 metal oxides with SAPO-11 molecular sieves, aiming at efficiently converting CO2/CO mixtures into C5−C11 gasoline hydrocarbons. Catalysts with varying In/Zr ratios were prepared via co-precipitation. By employing a COx (CO/CO2) co-feeding strategy (CO/COx = 0.5), the formation of by-product CO was significantly suppressed, thereby enabling the selectivity for gasoline hydrocarbons to exceed the maximum predicted by the Anderson-Schulz-Flory (ASF) model. Notably, under identical reaction conditions, the In2Zr1Ox/SAPO-11 catalyst exhibited higher performance compared with In2O3/SAPO-11 and ZrO2/SAPO-11. The COx conversion was elevated by 1.7% and 0.2%, while the selectivity toward C5–C11 hydrocarbons was enhanced by 8.0% and 16.0%, respectively. Furthermore, the In2Zr1Ox/SAPO-11 catalyst delivered a single-pass performance of 24% COx conversion and 68% selectivity for C5−C11 hydrocarbons at 380 °C, 3 MPa and a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 2400 mL/(min·g). Within this product distribution, isoparaffins accounted for 32.6% of the total components, corresponding to an isoparaffin/neoparaffin ratio of 12.3. After 150 h of stability testing, the catalyst maintained a single-pass COx conversion of 23% and a C5−C11 selectivity of ~65%, demonstrating excellent catalytic activity and promising potential for industrial application.

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Catalytic conversion of CO2-rich syngas to high-quality gasoline hydrocarbons over In2O3-ZrO2/SAPO-11 catalysts

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60664-0• Jan 15, 2026

Switching Hydrogenation Pathways of Furfural via Reduction-Degree Engineering of Ni-Based Catalysts

Authors: CHANG Xiaoqing, JIA Lingyu, DANG Shanshan, LU Tianliang, WANG Peng, TU Weifeng, ZHANG Zhenzhou

The selective hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural (FAL) to high-value chemicals such as furfuryl alcohol (FOL) or tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (HFOL) is pivotal yet challenging due to the need for precise control over reaction pathways. In this study, a Ni2Al-LDO (layered double oxide) catalyst with highly dispersed surface NiO was synthesized via structural topological transformation of layered double hydroxides. The catalyst exhibited excellent performance in furfural hydrogenation, achieving a 91.42% yield of FOL at 160 °C and 1.4 MPa H2. Gradual reduction of Ni2Al-LDO produced Ni/NiO mixtures, enabling a tunable shift from FOL to HFOL as NiO content decreased and metallic Ni content increased. After reduction at 700 °C for 2 hours, the HFOL yield reached 93.95% under identical conditions. CO2-TPD, NH3-TPD, and FT-IR analyses revealed that variations in reduction degree influenced furfural adsorption behavior. NiO species selectively adsorb the C=O group of furfural, with isopropanol serving as the hydrogen source via the Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV) pathway, yielding FOL. In contrast, metallic Ni0 surfaces facilitate flat adsorption, enabling simultaneous activation of both the furan ring and carbonyl group, and can activate both H2 and isopropanol, with H2 as the primary hydrogen source, leading to complete hydrogenation to HFOL. This work elucidates a clear structure-activity relationship centered on the metal oxidation state and provides a practical reduction-engineering approach for designing adaptable catalysts in biomass upgrading.

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Switching Hydrogenation Pathways of Furfural via Reduction-Degree Engineering of Ni-Based Catalysts

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60662-7• Jan 15, 2026

Mechanistic Insights into Low-Temperature CO2 Methanation over LaNiO3/CeO2 Perovskite Catalyst

Authors: LIU Ji, ZHANG Xuguang, LIU Mengfan, ZHOU Zhi, LI Wentao, HU Bin, ZHANG Zhenxi, LU Qiang

Perovskite-type catalysts show promise for CO2 methanation, yet their low-temperature performance and mechanisms remain unclear. Here, a LaNiO3/CeO2 catalyst was synthesized via sol-gel and impregnation. In situ reduction decomposed the perovskite into highly dispersed Ni0 particles (average 12.6 nm) on CeO2, which provided abundant oxygen vacancies (Ce3+/(Ce3++Ce4+) = 9.2%) and weak/moderate basic sites. This synergy enhanced CO2 adsorption and activation. At 200–300 °C, the catalyst achieved ~100% CH4 selectivity and CO2 conversion up to 23.6% at 300 °C. Comparative studies with LaNiO3, LaCeNiO4, Ni/CeO2, and La-Ni/CeO2 revealed that the perovskite pre-structuration and in situ reduction optimize Ni dispersion and metal-support interactions, stabilizing Ni0 and tuning surface basicity and oxygen vacancies. This work provides a design strategy for efficient low-temperature CO2 methanation catalysts.

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Mechanistic Insights into Low-Temperature CO2 Methanation over LaNiO3/CeO2 Perovskite Catalyst

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60667-6• Jan 15, 2026

Enhancement of ZnO-ZrO2 Solid Solution Catalyst via Cu Addition for CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol

Authors: LI Ying, XIE Guiming, MENG Xinyue, PENG Bo, WANG Zhoujun

The introduction of an appropriate amount of Cu effectively enhances the catalytic performance of ZnO-ZrO2 solid solution catalysts in CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. However, systematic studies on the effect of Cu content in ZnO-ZrO2 solid solution catalysts remain limited. In this work, a ZnO-ZrO2 solid solution and a series of Cu/ZnO/ZrO2-x catalysts (x = 0.3, 0.7 and 0.9, denoting the molar ratio of Cu/(Cu+Zn+Zr)) were prepared by co-precipitation method. Among these catalysts, the Cu/ZnO/ZrO2-0.7 catalyst exhibited the optimal catalytic performance, with a space-time yield of methanol (162.7 g/(kg·h)) that was 6.6 times higher than that of the ZnO-ZrO2 solid solution catalyst (24.8 g/(kg·h)) at 250 °C. Structural characterizations reveal that the introduction of an appropriate amount of Cu led to the coexistence of a solid solution and individual metal oxides, and promoted the formation of medium-strength basic sites. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) results further confirm that Cu introduction facilitated the conversion of key reaction intermediates. This work provides a systematic investigation of the influence of Cu content on the methanol synthesis performance of ZnO-ZrO2 solid solution catalysts and elucidates the promotional mechanism induced by Cu incorporation.

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Enhancement of ZnO-ZrO2 Solid Solution Catalyst via Cu Addition for CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60685-8• Jan 15, 2026

Advances in Heterogeneous Catalysis for Hydrogen Production via Steam Reforming of Biomass-Derived Alcohols: Catalytic Structure-Activity Relationships from Ethanol to Glycerol Systems

Authors: LIU Siyu, XIE Hui, LIAO Wenmin, WANG Shuai

Steam reforming of biomass-derived alcohols (ethanol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, etc.) represents a critical pathway for sustainable hydrogen energy systems. This review systematically examines recent advances in heterogeneous catalysis, elucidating structure-performance correlations between alcohol molecular structures and catalyst requirements. Ethanol is prone to dehydration and methanation side reactions, while ethylene glycol leverages its dihydroxy structure to enhance dehydrogenation and C–C cleavage, improving H2 selectivity. In contrast, glycerol suffers from intensified reaction network complexity and carbon-induced deactivation due to its trihydroxy configuration. The unified catalyst design strategy involves precisely modulating metal electronic structures (e.g., alloying/atomic-level dispersion) and support oxygen mobility (e.g., rare-earth modification) to synergistically optimize dehydrogenation and carbon resistance. Ni-based catalysts dominate owing to low cost and high C–C bond activation capability, yet their stability requires synergistic enhancement via alloying (Fe, Co, Cu, etc.) or rare-earth modification (Ce, Pr, La, etc.). Noble metal systems (Pt, Rh, Ir, etc.) exhibit low-temperature activity advantages, but are transitioning strategically toward single-atom catalysis and high-entropy-oxide-based multicomponent architectures under cost constraints. Future efforts are suggested to integrate in situ/operando characterization with theoretical modeling to uncover dynamic structure-activity relationships, establish elementary reaction databases for data-driven rational catalyst design, and achieve cross-scale catalyst-reactor synergy, thereby providing a scientific foundation for efficient sustainable hydrogen production.

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Advances in Heterogeneous Catalysis for Hydrogen Production via Steam Reforming of Biomass-Derived Alcohols: Catalytic Structure-Activity Relationships from Ethanol to Glycerol Systems

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60708-6• Jan 15, 2026

Control Strategy for Mercury Emissions from Coal-Fired Flue Gas in China

Authors: XIAO Rihong, LUO Changxin, WU Yuzi, TANG Chengrui, XIONG Zhuo, ZHANG Junying, ZHAO Yongchun

Mercury emissions from coal combustion are highly toxic, volatile, and bioaccumulative, posing long-term threats to ecosystems and human health. This review systematically examines the current status and control policies of mercury emissions from coal combustion in China, analyzing distribution characteristics and transformation mechanisms during combustion, with emphasis on collaborative removal in pollution control devices after ultra-low emission retrofitting. A progressive strategy of 'synergistic enhancement–deep purification–resource recycling' is proposed, comprising three tiers: optimizing operational parameters of existing control systems to enhance synergistic mercury removal; developing efficient adsorption and catalytic oxidation technologies for industrial application; and advancing integrated mercury removal and recovery technologies, such as magnetosphere-based sorbents and recovery processes, focusing on high-value utilization. The paper also outlines future research directions aligned with international compliance and domestic environmental tax policies, providing theoretical and technical support for China's commitments to near-zero emissions of coal combustion pollutants.

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Control Strategy for Mercury Emissions from Coal-Fired Flue Gas in China

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60681-0• Jan 15, 2026

Research Progress on Hydrogen and Carbon Materials Production from Methane Pyrolysis

Authors: ZHOU Luyuan, WANG Yang, SUN Yu, HUO Kaixuan, DONG Pei, WU Mingbo

The escalation of global warming and climate change necessitates the development of clean energy carriers. Hydrogen, with a high combustion value of 120 MJ/kg and net-zero carbon emissions, is a promising alternative. Catalytic methane pyrolysis offers a route to produce high-purity hydrogen and functional carbon materials simultaneously. However, challenges persist in catalyst deactivation due to carbon deposition and the efficient separation and valorization of carbon byproducts. This review systematically examines recent progress in solid and molten-medium catalysts for methane pyrolysis. It highlights strategies to enhance catalyst stability, including precise control of active sites, alloying, support optimization, and tuning the carbon-catalyst interface. The introduction of molten media catalytic systems, which feature dynamically refreshed gas-liquid interfaces, can fundamentally mitigate deactivation and facilitate continuous carbon separation. The paper discusses reaction mechanisms, catalytic performance, and control of carbon morphology, along with strategies for efficient separation and purification of carbon products in molten media. High-value applications of the produced carbon materials are also explored. The review underscores the potential of methane pyrolysis as a low-carbon technology for hydrogen production, while identifying key research directions for industrial scalability.

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Research Progress on Hydrogen and Carbon Materials Production from Methane Pyrolysis

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60690-1• Jan 15, 2026

Reaction mechanisms and cracking performance of CH4 provoked by non-equilibrium plasma

Authors: SUN Yiping, ZHAO Junning, ZHANG Yuanyuan, ZHANG Kai, ZHANG Dongke

Methane cracking driven by electric power holds significant promise in the context of the rapid development of renewable energy. The effects of carrier gas ratio, input power, and inlet gas flow rate on CH4 cracking performance were systematically investigated in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor. The variation of temperature distribution and reaction energy intensity were also examined. The experimental results indicate that CH4 conversion and gaseous product formation are promoted by increasing the DBD input power or decreasing the inlet gas flow rate. At an input power of 90 W and an inlet gas flow rate of 200 mL/min, the single-pass CH4 conversion reaches 46.6%, with an H2 yield of 23.3%, demonstrating that CH4 cracking is governed by electron induced reactions. While the Joule heating from the inner and outer electrodes is relatively limited. The reaction energy intensity increases as the CH4 conversion decreases. When the inlet gas flow rate increases from 200 to 800 mL/min, the energy intensity rises by approximately 2.8 times, indicating that higher inlet gas flow rates enhance the convective heat transfer and shorten the gas residence time, thereby suppressing deep CH4 cracking. Moreover, BOLSIG+ calculations further reveal that CH4 activation is dominated by electron induced vibrational excitation, in which stepwise energy accumulation drives C–H bond dissociation. The energy transfer and species transformation pathways of overall CH4 cracking process, which comprises electron energy injection, vibrational excitation, stepwise dissociation, radical chain extension, and final product formation, can be summarized into three stages, i.e. methane activation, radical evolution, and product formation.

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Reaction mechanisms and cracking performance of CH4 provoked by non-equilibrium plasma

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60663-9• Jan 15, 2026

Calcination Atmosphere-Engineered Cu/SiO2 Catalysts for Efficient Hydrogenation of Dimethyl Succinate to 1,4-Butanediol

Authors: SHAO Xuhao, ZHANG Xuyan, CHEN Xiaorong, DU Jiaxin, AI Peipei, TAN Minghui, GAO Zhihua, HUANG Wei

The catalytic hydrogenation of biomass-derived dimethyl succinate (DMS) to 1,4-butanediol (BDO) is a pivotal route for producing high-value C4 chemicals in green chemistry. Cu/SiO2 catalysts are known for high selectivity in hydrogenating ester groups, with performance correlated to copper species microstructure. Although calcination critically defines this active structure, systematic influence of calcination atmosphere remains underexplored. Here, Cu/SiO2 catalysts were prepared via urea-assisted hydrothermal method and calcined under different atmospheres to elucidate effects on physicochemical properties and hydrogenation performance. Comprehensive characterization (N2 physisorption, FT-IR, H2-TPR, XRD, TEM, N2O pulse chemisorption, XPS, NH3-TPD) revealed that calcination atmosphere profoundly alters metal-support interaction, regulating dispersion and chemical state of copper species. Specifically, air calcination promoted stronger metal-support interaction, enhancing copper dispersion and increasing proportion of key active Cu+ species. Consequently, air-calcined catalyst achieved 92.37% DMS conversion and 64.15% BDO yield under optimized conditions (210 °C, 5.0 MPa, WHSV 0.6 h−1, H2/DMS molar ratio 100). This work underscores calcination atmosphere engineering as potent strategy for optimizing metal-support interactions in heterogeneous catalysts for efficient hydrogenation.

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Calcination Atmosphere-Engineered Cu/SiO2 Catalysts for Efficient Hydrogenation of Dimethyl Succinate to 1,4-Butanediol

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60686-X• Jan 15, 2026

Synthesis of Plate-Like Alumina via Synergistic Activation from Co-Combustion Ash of Coal Gangue and Corn Stalk

Authors: MIAO Hengyang, WANG Zhiqing, LIU Zheyu, LU Jun, FANG Yitian

This study reports a streamlined route for synthesizing plate-like α-Al2O3 via co-combustion activation of coal gangue and corn stalk, enabling high-value utilization of solid wastes. The introduction of corn stalk significantly reduces the apparent activation energy of coal gangue combustion and increases the acid leaching yield of aluminum to 81.9%. Mechanism analysis reveals that titanium and iron ions in the co-combustion ash leachate act as natural morphology regulators, facilitating the formation of a plate-like structure in the alumina product, with titanium exhibiting leaching behavior consistent with that of aluminum. Furthermore, a high content of AlO6 structural units in the precursor effectively promotes the direct conversion into dense α-Al2O3 crystals during thermal treatment, thereby enhancing product density. Under optimized conditions (800 °C, 1 h), the as-prepared α-Al2O3 exhibits a plate-like morphology, with a median particle size (d50) of 5.70 μm and a density of 4.94 g/cm3. This work provides a new approach for the synergistic resource utilization of coal gangue and biomass waste.

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Synthesis of Plate-Like Alumina via Synergistic Activation from Co-Combustion Ash of Coal Gangue and Corn Stalk

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60668-8• Jan 15, 2026

Influence of Si/Al ratio of MFI zeolites on the microstructure and catalytic performance of Co-based catalyst for N2O decomposition

Authors: MA Jiajun, ZHANG Liangliang, WU Ruifang, LIN Xiangqian, YANG Minxia, ZHU Guangyun, ZHENG Ke, WANG Yongzhao

A series of Co-based molecular sieve catalysts with varying Si/Al ratios was synthesized via impregnation. Microstructural properties of Co active sites were characterized by XRD, TEM, Raman, H2-TPR, Py-FTIR, and XPS. Results indicate that surface Co species predominantly exist as CoOx nanoclusters and isolated Co2+, with the latter exhibiting superior N2O decomposition activity. Decreasing the Si/Al ratio of the MFI zeolite promotes the formation of isolated Co2+ active sites, thereby enhancing catalytic performance. Compared to Co/S-1 (pure silica support), the Co/HZ60 catalyst (low Si/Al ratio ZSM-5) lowers the temperature for complete N2O decomposition by 80 °C and demonstrates excellent resistance to O2 and NO. The strong interaction between the zeolite framework and Co2+ inhibits oxidation to Co3+, improving N2O adsorption and activation. This work provides a rational design strategy for efficient and stable Co-based catalysts for N2O abatement in industrial tail gases.

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Influence of Si/Al ratio of MFI zeolites on the microstructure and catalytic performance of Co-based catalyst for N2O decomposition

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2026.JFCT.0006• Jan 15, 2026

Progress of Biomass/Coal-Based Carbon Materials as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Authors: ZHAO Xiaoting, WANG Zhiqing, LU Jun, FANG Yitian, LIU Zheyu

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a critical cathode reaction in fuel cells and metal-air batteries, yet its sluggish kinetics and high overpotential severely limit device performance. Conventional platinum-based catalysts suffer from prohibitive cost (accounting for up to 40% of total fuel cell system cost), scarce reserves, and poor tolerance to methanol and carbon monoxide, impeding large-scale commercialization. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in biomass/coal-based carbon materials as ORR electrocatalysts, focusing on raw material characteristics, preparation methods, structural regulation, and performance evaluation. Biomass and coal precursors offer advantages of low cost, abundant availability, and natural heteroatom doping (N, P, S), enabling the design of high-performance, metal-free catalysts. Key challenges include ensuring raw material homogeneity, precise control of active sites, and scalable synthesis. Future research directions emphasize optimizing pore structure and surface chemistry to enhance four-electron selectivity and stability. The review provides theoretical guidance for developing cost-effective ORR catalysts to replace platinum, thereby accelerating the deployment of clean energy technologies.

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Progress of Biomass/Coal-Based Carbon Materials as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60717-7• Jan 15, 2026

Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Alkaline Lignin with In Situ Hydrogen Supply from Formic Acid

Authors: LI Bingshuo, LIU Longfei, ZHANG Bowen, WANG Zhicai, YANG Tianhua

Alkali lignin, a high-volume byproduct from pulp and paper manufacturing and biomass refining, is a promising feedstock for aromatic hydrocarbon production in liquid fuels due to its high energy density and abundant aromatic moieties. However, its highly cross-linked polymeric structure hinders efficient valorization. This work investigates catalytic conversion of alkali lignin into bio-oil under in situ H2 supply from formic acid. A series of Ni-Mo/h-BN bimetallic catalysts with varied metal ratios were synthesized by impregnation and characterized by XPS, XRD, and other techniques. The effects of reaction parameters on H2 production via aqueous-phase reforming (APR) of formic acid were evaluated. Optimal H2 yield was achieved at a formic acid-to-water molar ratio of 1:10 and a Ni/Mo atomic ratio of 3:1. H2 yield increased monotonically with temperature from 220 to 280 °C, reaching a maximum of 38.48 mmol. Subsequently, influences of reaction temperature and residence time on bio-oil production were examined. The highest heavy bio-oil yield (18.93%) and maximum relative content of aromatic hydrocarbons (13.81%) were both achieved at 280 °C. Prolonged reaction time reduced heavy bio-oil yield and aromatic hydrocarbon abundance while favoring furan derivatives. This work demonstrates good synergy between in situ hydrogen generation from formic acid and lignin hydrogenation in the temperature range 240–280 °C.

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Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Alkaline Lignin with In Situ Hydrogen Supply from Formic Acid

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Original ResearchVol. 54, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60669-X• Jan 15, 2026

Effect of UiO-66 Precursors with Different Ce/Zr Ratios on the Performance of Pt-Based Catalysts in Dry Methane Reforming Reactions

Authors: YANG Chen, JIANG Panying, SHEN Dongyang, ZHANG Yuhua, LI Jinlin, LI Lin

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) converts CH4 and CO2 into syngas with a unity H2/CO ratio, but suffers from catalyst deactivation via sintering and carbon deposition at high temperatures. This study addresses these challenges by employing UiO-66 as a precursor to modify Pt-based catalysts. A series of Pt/CeO2-ZrO2 catalysts were synthesized via incipient wetness impregnation using supports with varying Ce/Zr ratios prepared hydrothermally. Comprehensive characterization—including CO2-TPD, CH4-TPD, XPS, XAFS, in situ DRIFTS, TG, and Raman spectroscopy—revealed a volcano-type correlation between DRM performance and Ce/Zr ratio. Optimal activity and stability were achieved with Pt/3CeO2-ZrO2 (Ce/Zr = 3:1). This catalyst features highly dispersed platinum, primarily as single atoms and thermally stable PtOx clusters. It exhibits the highest concentration of Ce3+ and Zr3+ species, abundant oxygen vacancies, and high defect density, indicating strong metal-support interaction. Mechanistically, stable DRM is facilitated by oxygen-assisted CH4 dissociation and hydrogen-assisted CO2 dissociation. At 800 °C, CH4 and CO2 conversions reached 86% and 93%, respectively, with H2/CO ratio near unity. A 10 h stability test showed no detectable carbon deposition. These results confirm that the catalyst enhances reaction kinetics while demonstrating superior activity, stability, and resistance to coking and sintering.

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Effect of UiO-66 Precursors with Different Ce/Zr Ratios on the Performance of Pt-Based Catalysts in Dry Methane Reforming Reactions

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