Environmental Catalysis: Present and Future

Abstract

Environmental catalysis plays a crucial role in sustainable development by the design of novel catalytic materials and technologies. Several environmental issues are addressed by catalytic processes such as decomposition of pollutants for air, water and soil remediation, hydrogen production, CO2 reduction and biomass valorization, just to name a few. This contribution aims to provide a general overview of the main concepts and current advances in the environmental catalysis field. Special attention has been paid to photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, as sub‐areas of catalysis with tremendous potential in sustainable applications, in particular with regard to the promotion of sustainable energies. In this contribution, the partnership between Catalysis and Green Chemistry is presented, in a comprehensive way, as an open research line which is imperative and decisive for a more sustainable future.

Sustainability in Catalytic Cyclohexane Oxidation: The Contribution of Porous Support Materials

“…Typically, these materials possess high specific surface area and porosity, excellent electron conductivity, and tunable surface chemistry, making them remarkably flexible and suitable for numerous applications, and have brought great development to the areas of energy, environment, and technology [24][25][26][27][28]. These materials they can be considered interesting and cheaper alternatives to be used as catalysts or as catalyst supports [21,29] given the large surface area and excellent chemical and physical stability that provides unmatched flexibility in tailoring their physical and chemical properties.…”

Facile synthesis of B/g-C3N4 composite materials for the continuous-flow selective photo-production of acetone

“…80% of the industrial chemical processes. 1 Catalytic processes are well established and continuously but slowly being optimized to decrease energy demand and increase activity, selectivity, stability and lifetime. 2 However, to accomplish the above goals, a deep revolution in catalysis, focusing on sustainability and circular use of materials in industrial processes, is required.…”

Ru and Ni—Privileged Metal Combination for Environmental Nanocatalysis

“…This means that catalysis is an energy-and material-efficient method. Rodriguez-Padron et al [5] estimated that currently as much as ca. 90% of the processes that are used in food, health, fuel and energy-related chemicals involve at least one catalytic step.…”