Themed collection New Challenges and Future Concepts in Plasma Catalysis Technology

Methane and nitrogen oxides abatement from marine exhaust gases: a review on available plasma-catalytic systems
The review covers advancements in plasma technologies for CH4 and NOx abatement, highlighting the potential of plasma-catalytic reactors and the need to optimize energy inputs and operating parameters for efficient deployment in maritime sector.
Catal. Sci. Technol., 2025,15, 4330-4351
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CY00108K
Plasma-assisted methane conversion to HCN: the prospect and challenges
This paper reviews the potential of plasma-assisted CH4 conversion to HCN under mild conditions, highlighting the importance of catalyst–plasma synergy and the need for further research to enhance selectivity and conversion efficiency.
Catal. Sci. Technol., 2025,15, 249-261
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CY01239A

Synergistic effects of light and plasma catalysis on Au-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays for enhanced non-oxidative coupling of methane
This study presents an effective synergistic mechanism between plasma and light in gold-modified TiO2 materials for the direct conversion of methane into value-added C2+ hydrocarbons.
Catal. Sci. Technol., 2025,15, 3725-3735
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CY00206K

The impact bimetallic Ni–Fe deposit configuration has on accessing synergy during plasma-catalytic CO2 methanation
Bimetallic Ni–Fe configurations can influence catalyst performance in plasma catalytic CO2 methanation, highlighting the importance of metal–metal interactions and catalyst design.
Catal. Sci. Technol., 2025,15, 3372-3384
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CY00036J

Nonthermal plasma integrated with catalysts for nitrogen fixation from nitrogen and water
Nonthermal plasma (NTP) enables direct synthesis of NH3 and NOx from N2 and H2O at atmospheric pressure and low temperatures, offering a promising alternative to the Haber–Bosch process. Ni-SBA-15 enhances nitrogen fixation, deepening the understanding of plasma-catalytic mechanisms.
Catal. Sci. Technol., 2025,15, 2016-2026
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CY01446D

Numbering up and sizing up gliding arc reactors to enhance the plasma-based synthesis of NOx
A scaling up strategy was employed to explore the intensification of plasma-based NOx synthesis by connecting two reactors in a series- and parallel-configuration. This strategy was then compared with the sizing up of the narrowest discharge gap.
Catal. Sci. Technol., 2024,14, 5405-5421
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CY00655K
About this collection
Non-thermal plasma is an emerging technology for sustainable chemical production, aiding in the electrification of industrial processes particularly those powered by renewable energy sources. Its benefits include rapid on/off switching and a small footprint. Coupling it with catalysis offers greater control over reaction pathways and modulation but controlling specific conversion paths remains challenging due to their complexity. Consequently, the technology is still far from reaching research maturity. Despite progress, understanding the interaction mechanisms between plasma and catalysts, crucial for upscaling, is still not fully understood. This special collection focuses on recent advances in the development of plasma technologies to integrate into energy intensive industries to achieve the ambitious target of zero emissions in the view of a circular carbon economy.
Guest Edited by Chiara Genovese (University of Messina, Italy) and Georgi Trenchev (D-CRBN, Belgium) The special issue includes primary research and reviews on the following topics:
- Understanding of plasma surface chemistry in non-thermal plasma assisted catalytic processes for the better design of catalysts in the view of upscaling
- The design of plasma reactors in lab and/or industrial scale
- Non-thermal plasma processes in lab scale and/or under relevant conditions for upscaling (including plasma catalysis, plasma photo- and plasma electro- catalysis)