Performance of Cu/ZnO Nanosheets on Electrospun Al2O3 Nanofibers in CO2 Catalytic Hydrogenation to Methanol and Dimethyl Ether

The synthesis of methanol and dimethyl ether (DME) from carbon dioxide (CO₂) and green hydrogen (H₂) offers a sustainable pathway to convert CO₂ emissions into value-added products. This heterogeneous catalytic reaction often uses copper (Cu) catalysts due to their low cost compared with their noble metal analogs. Nevertheless, improving the activity and selectivity of these Cu catalysts for these products is highly desirable. In the present study, a new architecture of Cu- and Cu/Zn-based catalysts supported on electrospun alumina nanofibers were synthesized. The catalysts were tested under various reaction conditions using high-throughput equipment to highlight the role of the hierarchical fibrous structure on the reaction activity and selectivity. The Cu or Cu/ZnO formed a unique structure of nanosheets, covering the alumina fiber surface. This exceptional morphology provides a large surface area, up to ~300 m²/g, accessible for reaction. Maximal production of methanol (~1106 g_methanolKg_Cu^-1∙h^-1) and DME (760 g_DMEKg_Cu^-1∙h^-1) were obtained for catalysts containing 7% wt. Cu/Zn with a weight ratio of 2.3 Zn to Cu (at 300 °C, 50 bar). The promising results in CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol and DME obtained here point out the significant advantage of nanofiber-based catalysts in heterogeneous catalysis.

Silver nanomaterials: synthesis and (electro/photo) catalytic applications

In view of their unique characteristics and properties, silver nanomaterials (Ag NMs) have been used not only in the field of nanomedicine but also for diverse advanced catalytic technologies. In this comprehensive review, light is shed on general synthetic approaches encompassing chemical reduction, sonochemical, microwave, and thermal treatment among the preparative methods for the syntheses of Ag-based NMs and their catalytic applications. Additionally, some of the latest innovative approaches such as continuous flow integrated with MW and other benign approaches have been emphasized that ultimately pave the way for sustainability. Moreover, the potential applications of emerging Ag NMs, including sub nanomaterials and single atoms, in the field of liquid-phase catalysis, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis as well as a positive role of Ag NMs in catalytic reactions are meticulously summarized. The scientific interest in the synthesis and applications of Ag NMs lies in the integrated benefits of their catalytic activity, selectivity, stability, and recovery. Therefore, the rise and journey of Ag NM-based catalysts will inspire a new generation of chemists to tailor and design robust catalysts that can effectively tackle major environmental challenges and help to replace noble metals in advanced catalytic applications. This overview concludes by providing future perspectives on the research into Ag NMs in the arena of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis.

Electrospun Fe-Al-O Nanobelts for Selective CO2 Hydrogenation to Light Olefins

Ceramic nanobelt catalysts consisting of Fe-Al-O spinel modified with potassium were synthesized for CO₂ hydrogenation into hydrocarbons. Nanobelts and hollow nanofibers were produced utilizing the internal heat released by oxidation of the organic component within the fibers. This extremely fast and short heating facilitated crystallization of the desired phase, while maintaining small grains and a large surface area. We investigated the effects of mat thickness, composition, and heating rate on the final morphology. A general transformation mechanism for electrospun nanofibers that correlates for the first time the mat's thickness and the rate of oxidation during thermal treatment was proposed. The catalytic performance of carburized ceramic K/Fe-Al-O nanobelts was compared to the K/Fe-Al-O spinel powder. The electrospun catalyst showed a superior carbon dioxide conversion of 48% and a selectivity of 52% to light C₂-C₅ olefins, while the powder catalyst produced mainly C₆⁺ hydrocarbons. Characterization of steady state catalytic materials by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and N₂-adsorption methods revealed that high olefin selectivity of the electrospun materials is related to a high extent of reduction of surface iron atoms because of more efficient interaction with the potassium promoter.

Facet-mediated growth of silver nanoparticles on biaxial calcium fluoride nanorod arrays

The surface orientation of metal nanoparticles is critical to their physical and chemical properties. This study aims on the understanding of the effect of surface orientation as well as heterogeneous epitaxy of metal nanoparticles at an interface between two materials with a large lattice mismatch. Silver nanoparticles of different diameters were grown on arrays of calcium fluoride (CaF₂) nanorods using oblique angle deposition as a model system for this study. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging were used to verify that the nanoparticles were selectively grown on the desired {111} facets of the nanorod tips. Using selected area diffraction and dark field imaging in TEM, it was shown that the nanoparticles were grown at a (111) orientation at the CaF₂ interface with large lattice strains. Thus biaxially textured CaF₂ nanorod arrays can be used as a catalytic support.

Preparation of Rh–SiO2 fiber catalyst with superior activity and reusability by electrospinning

Rh–SiO₂ fiber catalyst prepared by electrospinning for room temperature hydrogenation of alkenes with superior catalytic activity and reusability.