K+-induced formation of granular and dense copper phyllosilicate precursor converts dimethyl oxalate to ethylene glycol in absence of H2

Facile synthesis of Cu-based catalysts from Cu3Si and their catalysis properties study

Supported copper species are well-known for their remarkable catalytic properties across numerous reactions. However, the current preparation methods pose challenges for large-scale production. In this study, we present a cost-effective method for the facile preparation of a series of copper-silicon composites using Cu3Si@Si particles as precursors. We evaluate the catalytic properties of these composites in the conversion of 4-nitrophenol to 4-amionphenol. Notably, the Cu@SiOx/Si composite exhibits exceptional catalytic performance, attributed to the synergy effect between Cu and Si, and the formation of a metastable Si-H2 complex that enhances the reaction kinetics. This research introduces a novel approach for creating efficient and stable catalysts for hydrogenation reactions.

Emerging catalysts for the ambient synthesis of ethylene glycol from CO2 and its derivatives

Ethylene glycol (EG), a useful chemical raw material, has been widely applied in many aspects of modern society. The conventional preparation of ethylene glycol mainly uses the petroleum route at high temperatures and pressure. More and more approaches have been developed to synthesize EG from CO₂ and its derivatives under mild conditions. In this review, the ambient synthesis of EG from thermocatalysis, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis is highlighted. The coal-to-ethylene glycol technology, one of the typical thermal catalysis routes for EG preparation, is relatively mature. However, it still faces some problems to be solved in industrialization. The recent progress in the development of coal-to-ethylene glycol technology is introduced. The main focus is on how to realize the preparation of EG under mild conditions. The strategies include doping promoters, modification of supports, design of catalysts with special structures, etc. Furthermore, the emerging technological progress of photocatalytic and electrocatalytic ethylene glycol synthesis under ambient conditions is introduced. Compared with the thermal catalytic reaction, the reaction conditions are milder. However, there are still many problems in large-scale production. Finally, we propose future development issues and related prospects for the ambient synthesis of EG using different catalytic routes.