Optimized Carbon Coupling for Enhanced Ethylene Production via a Unique Single-Atom-Substrate Synergy Mechanism within Photocatalytic Processes

The utilization of solar-driven technologies for the direct conversion of methanol (CH3OH) into two or multi-carbon compounds through controlled carbon-carbon (C-C) coupling is an appealing yet challenging objective. In this study, we successfully demonstrate the photocatalytic CH3OH coupling to ethylene (C2H4), a valuable chemical raw material, by employing a carbon nitride-based catalyst. Specifically, we modify the layered polymer carbon nitride (PCN) photocatalyst through the incorporation of Au single atoms (Au1/PCN) using a chemical-scissors method. The synergistic effect between the PCN substrate and the Au single atoms reduces the potential barrier associated with C-C coupling, thereby enhancing the efficiency of CH3OH reforming to C2H4. This investigation not only reveals a novel pathway for C2H4 production via CH3OH reforming but also provides fresh insights into the possibilities of C-C coupling.

Catalytic Oxidation of Propane and Carbon Monoxide by Pd Nanoparticles on Mn/TiO2 Catalysts

The present work shows experimental results on the catalytic oxidation of C3H8 and CO by Pd nanoparticles supported on MnOx/TiO2 synthesized by the sol–gel method. The results show a strong interaction between Pd and MnOx/TiO2; likewise, the annealing temperature of the TiO2 support modified the catalytic properties of the Pd–MnOx/TiO2 catalyst. In this line, the catalysts with 1 and 2 wt% of Pd loading supported on MnOx/TiO2 showed outstanding catalytic activity oxidizing C3H8 and CO within two temperature intervals: 200–400 °C and 25–200 °C, respectively. The Pd–MnOx/TiO2 catalyst also displayed very high stability during long-term tests and the addition of Pd nanoparticles reduced greatly the oxidation temperature of MnOx/TiO2. The outcomes revealed that the Pd–Mn interaction promoted the formation of new Pd0/Pd2+ active sites as well as the formation of oxygen vacancies and reduced Ti4+ to Ti3+ species, which led to the improvement of the Mn3+ and Mn4+ redox features, thus boosting the catalytic oxidation capacity of the Pd–MnOx/TiO2 catalyst.

Graphical Abstract

Photocatalytic CO2 Conversion to Ethanol: A Concise Review

Photo-catalytically converting the greenhouse gas CO2 into ethanol is an important avenue for the mitigation of climate issues and the utilization of renewable energies. Catalysts play critical roles in the reaction of photocatalytic CO2 conversion to ethanol, and a number of catalysts have been investigated, including semiconductors and plasmonic metal-based catalysts, as well as several other catalysts. In this review, the progress in the development of each category of catalysts is summarized, the current status is reviewed, the remaining challenges are pointed out, and the future research directions are prospected, with the aim being to pave pathways for the rational design of better catalysts.

Photo-assisted thermal catalytic Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis over Co-Cu/CeO2

Generally, the increase in temperature in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis accelerates the conversion of CO but reduces the selectivity of high value-added products due to the increase in the percentage of...