Themed collection Understanding and new approaches to create synergy between catalysis and plasma


Plasma catalysis: what is needed to create synergy?
In this paper, we describe the critical limitations towards plasma–catalyst synergy and suggest possible solutions.
EES Catal., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EY00027K

Vibrationally excited molecule–metal surface reactions in heterogeneous and plasma catalysis: going beyond the Fridman–Macheret α model
Vibrational excitation of reactants can play an important role in increasing the reactivity in heterogeneous and plasma catalysis. Here, a critical look is taken on how to model this chemical process.
EES Catal., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EY00062A

Leveraging Oxygen Mobility with Zirconia in Low-Temperature Plasma for Enhanced Methane Reforming to Syngas
EES Catal., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EY00069F

Interpretable attention-based transfer learning in plasma catalysis: a study on the role of surface charge
Low-temperature plasma catalysis holds promise for electrification of energy-intensive chemical processes such as methane reforming and ammonia synthesis.
EES Catal., 2025,3, 488-504
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00256C

Selective catalytic hydrogenation of C2H2 from plasma-driven CH4 coupling without extra heat: mechanistic insights from micro-kinetic modelling and reactor performance
Selective C2H4 synthesis from a nanosecond pulsed CH4 plasma followed by catalytic C2H2 hydrogenation: micro-kinetic modelling and reactor performance.
EES Catal., 2025,3, 475-487
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00203B

A supported Au/HZSM-5 catalyst for toluene removal by air plasma catalytic oxidation using the cycled storage-discharge (CSD) mode
A Au/HZSM-5 catalyst was prepared and exhibited nearly 100% C7H8 conversion and CO2 selectivity in air plasma catalytic C7H8 oxidation.
EES Catal., 2025,3, 97-105
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00159A
About this collection
Guest edited by Gabriele Centi (University of Messina), Annemie Bogaerts (University of Antwerp), and Jason Hicks (University of Notre Dame), this themed collection aims to discuss and identify new and recent trends in plasma catalysis in terms of advances in understanding the mechanism, including from a modelling perspective and of new experimental approaches, including the development of novel plasma reactors, aimed to enhance the synergy between plasma and catalysis.
Plasma catalysis aims to combine plasma's high reactivity with catalysts' selectivity, thus achieving the best of both worlds. However, the identification of how to realise a synergic interaction is still elusive. This collection aims to define the state, gaps, and perspectives, including new unexplored directions, in this crucial challenge of plasma catalysis. This will move us to the next step in applying this technology to open new avenues for carbon-free, sustainable energy and chemistry production.