Catalysis for e-Chemistry: Need and Gaps for a Future De-Fossilized Chemical Production, with Focus on the Role of Complex (Direct) Syntheses by Electrocatalysis

Abstract

The prospects, needs and limits in current approaches in catalysis to accelerate the transition to e -chemistry, where this term indicates a fossil fuel-free chemical production, are discussed. It is suggested that e -chemistry is a necessary element of the transformation to meet the targets of net zero emissions by year 2050 and that this conversion from the current petrochemistry is feasible. However, the acceleration of the development of catalytic technologies based on the use of renewable energy sources (indicated as reactive catalysis) is necessary, evidencing that these are part of a system of changes and thus should be assessed from this perspective. However, it is perceived that the current studies in the area are not properly addressing the needs to develop the catalytic technologies required for e -chemistry, presenting a series of relevant aspects and directions in which research should be focused to develop the framework system transformation necessary to implement e -chemistry.

Status and gaps toward fossil-free sustainable chemical production

“…We call this novel chemical production alternative to the current petro-chemistry ‘ e -chemistry’. 12 We assume a high-tech scenario of transformation of chemical production, driven by the forces and motivations indicated before. This high-tech scenario requires an intense R&D effort to develop the new routes necessary to substitute the use of FFs in chemical production, with the energy largely provided by renewable sources, if not directly from solar light, and the use of alternative carbon sources to FFs.…”

In Situ Electrochemical Reconstitution of CF–CuO/CeO2 for Efficient Active Species Generation

“…The industrialization of electrocatalysis is one of the most promising ways to achieve a sustainable supply of high-value-added chemicals and reduce the use of fossil fuels. − In the field of electrocatalysis, it is generally believed that the insufficient activity and poor selectivity and stability of electrocatalysts are the biggest obstacles to the industrialization of electrocatalytic technology, which motivates researchers to solve this criticism through the construction of electrode materials, optimization of electrolytes, design of electrolytic cells, and other approaches. − However, most of the current research mainly focuses on exploring new complicated materials to construct electrocatalysts, conversely ignoring the fundamental insight of the correlation between the intrinsic nature of the material and catalytic activity . In fact, most non-noble metal catalysts, especially transition metal oxides, exhibit satisfactory electrocatalytic activity under an efficient electrochemical reconfiguration. − Apparently, in situ electrochemical activation can optimize the chemical composition and electronic structure of a catalyst, prompting the exposure of more active sites, thereby further enhancing the electrocatalytic performance.…”

Recent progress and perspectives on single-atom catalysis

“…1 In particular, the design and development of advanced catalyst materials with tailored active sites is essential for sustainable energy conversion and the synthesis of green fuels and chemicals. 2 Since the term "single-atom catalysts (SACs)" was rst coined in 2011 in a pioneering study by Zhang, Li, Liu and coworkers, 3 it has been gradually acknowledged by the catalysis community over the last decade and has emerged as one of the most active frontiers in heterogeneous catalysis. 4,5 Owing to the singleatom feature of active metal elements dispersed on the host material, SACs offer great advantages in maximizing the efficiency of metal atom utilization and providing more uniform and well-dened active sites than conventional heterogeneous catalysts consisting of various kinds of poorly dened active sites on nanoparticles.…”