Carbon-Based Electron Buffer Layer on ZnOx -Fe5 C2 -Fe3 O4 Boosts Ethanol Synthesis from CO2 Hydrogenation

Advances in the Catalytic Conversion of Ethanol into Nonoxygenated Added-Value Chemicals

Given that ethanol can be obtained from abundant biomass resources (e.g., crops, sugarcane, cellulose, and algae), waste, and CO2, its conversion into value-added chemicals holds promise for the sustainable production of high-demand chemical commodities. Nonoxygenated chemicals, including light olefins, 1,3-butadiene, aromatics, and gasoline, are some of the most important of these commodities, substantially contributing to modern lifestyles. Despite the industrial implementation of some ethanol-to-hydrocarbons processes, several fundamental questions and technological challenges remain unaddressed. In addition, the utilization of ethanol as an intermediate provides new opportunities for the direct valorization of CO and CO2. Herein, the recent advances in the design of ethanol conversion catalysts are summarized, providing mechanistic insights into the corresponding reactions and catalyst deactivation, and discussing the related future research directions, including the exploitation of active site proximity to achieve better synergistic effects for reactions involving ethanol.

Development of Multifunctional Catalysts for the Direct Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Higher Alcohols

The direct hydrogenation of greenhouse gas CO2 to higher alcohols (C2+OH) provides a new route for the production of high-value chemicals. Due to the difficulty of C-C coupling, the formation of higher alcohols is more difficult compared to that of other compounds. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the development of multifunctional catalysts, including noble metal catalysts, Co-based catalysts, Cu-based catalysts, Fe-based catalysts, and tandem catalysts for the direct hydrogenation of CO2 to higher alcohols. Possible reaction mechanisms are discussed based on the structure-activity relationship of the catalysts. The reaction-coupling strategy holds great potential to regulate the reaction network. The effects of the reaction conditions on CO2 hydrogenation are also analyzed. Finally, we discuss the challenges and potential opportunities for the further development of direct CO2 hydrogenation to higher alcohols.

Application of metal-organic frameworks and their derivates for thermal-catalytic C1 molecules conversion

One-carbon (C1) catalysis refers to the conversion of compounds with a single carbon atom, especially carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4), into clean fuels and valuable chemicals via catalytic strategy is crucial for sustainable and green development. Among various catalytic strategies, thermal-driven process seems to be one of the most promising pathways for C1 catalysis due to the high efficiency and practical application prospect. Notably, the rational design of thermal-driven C1 catalysts plays a vital role in boosting the targeted products synthesis of C1 catalysis, which relies heavily on the choice of ideal active site support, catalyst fabrication precursor, and catalytic reaction field. As a novel crystalline porous material, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has made significant progress in the design and synthesis of various functional nanomaterials. However, the application of MOFs in C1 catalysis faces numerous challenges, such as thermal stability, mechanical strength, yield of MOFs, and so on. To overcome these limitations and harness the advantages of MOFs in thermal-driven C1 catalysis, researchers have developed various catalyst/carrier preparation strategies. In this review, we provide a concise overview of the recent advancements in the conversion of CO, CO2, and CH4 into clean fuels and valuable chemicals via thermal-catalytic strategy using MOFs-based catalysts. Furthermore, we discuss the main challenges and opportunities associated with MOFs-based catalysts for thermal-driven C1 catalysis in the future.

Toward three-dimensionally ordered nanoporous graphene materials: template synthesis, structure, and applications

Precise template synthesis will realize three-dimensionally ordered nanoporous graphenes (NPGs) with a spatially controlled seamless graphene structure and fewer edges. These structural features result in superelastic nature, high electrochemical stability, high electrical conductivity, and fast diffusion of gases and ions at the same time. Such innovative 3D graphene materials are conducive to solving energy-related issues for a better future. To further improve the attractive properties of NPGs, we review the template synthesis and its mechanism by chemical vapor deposition of hydrocarbons, analysis of the nanoporous graphene structure, and applications in electrochemical and mechanical devices.