Themed collection EES Catalysis Recent Review Articles
Shining light on hybrid perovskites for photoelectrochemical solar to fuel conversion
Hybrid halide perovskites (HaPs) represent a class of materials with excellent optoelectronic properties providing distinct avenues for disruptive photo(-electro) catalytic technologies.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 1072-1091
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00091A
Exploring opportunities in operando DRIFTS and complementary techniques for advancing plasma catalysis
Exploring the dynamic interaction of non-thermal plasma (NTP) with catalytic processes is critical to unravelling elusive catalyst structure–function relationships under NTP conditions, specifically dielectric barrier discharges (DBD).
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 1059-1071
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00088A
Direction of oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst evaluation for an anion exchange membrane CO2 electrolyzer
The reference electrode-integrated MEA-type electrolyzer can be utilized to genuinely assess OER electrocatalyst performance for CO2 electrolysis.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 911-922
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00314K
Surpassing water-splitting potential in aqueous redox flow batteries: insights from kinetics and thermodynamics
Aqueous redox flow batteries (AQRFBs) employing non-flammable electrolytes are recognized for their inherent safety and eco-friendliness, making them promising candidates for large-scale energy storage systems.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 522-544
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00231D
High-pressure electrochemistry: a new frontier in decarbonization
Higher pressures can positively impact electrochemical activity, selectivity, stability, and efficiency.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 507-521
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00284E
Reaction microenvironment control in membrane electrode assemblies for CO2 electrolysis
This perspective discusses the latest achievements in activity and selectivity control in CO2 electrolysis by tuning reaction microenvironments.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 220-230
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00155E
Advances and challenges in scalable carbon dioxide electrolysis
This perspective illustrates ways to achieve scalable CO2 electrolysis by designing efficient electrolyzers and regulating the catalytic reaction environments.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 934-949
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00159H
Copper-based catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation: a perspective on active sites
This Perspective reviews the understanding of active sites on various Cu-based materials for the CO2 hydrogenation to high-value products from theoretical and experimental advances.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 921-933
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00152K
A perspective of COx conversion to aromatics
The sustainable production of chemicals through COx hydrogenation is a growing area of interest, with thermal catalytic conversion showing the most promise.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 677-686
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00102D
Advanced dual-atom catalysts for efficient oxygen evolution reaction
This perspective discusses the latest exciting advancements in dual-atom catalysts (DACs) for the oxygen evolution reaction and battery devices, highlighting the fundamental principles for the intelligent design and application of DACs.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 665-676
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00050H
Catalytic fast pyrolysis of cellulose to oxygenates: roles of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts
Catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) of biomass is an efficient approach that can overcome the structural recalcitrance of solid biomass (e.g., crystalline cellulose) to produce sugar monomers and their derivatives within seconds.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 1238-1246
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00154K
Salt precipitation and water flooding intrinsic to electrocatalytic CO2 reduction in acidic membrane electrode assemblies: fundamentals and remedies
The fundamentals of salt precipitation and water flooding in membrane electrode assemblies for acidic electrocatalytic CO2 reduction are discussed and potential remedies via engineering electrodes, electrolytes, and membranes are proposed.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 1228-1237
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00170B
Zeolite catalysts for non-oxidative ethane dehydrogenation to ethylene
The conversion of ethane to ethylene is crucial for deriving platform chemicals from non-petroleum feedstock.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 923-931
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00031E
Revisiting group 4–7 transition metals for heterogeneous ammonia synthesis
Group 4–7 metals are usually inactive for NH3 synthesis catalysis and have gained far less attention as compared to Fe and Ru. This mini-review discusses potential strategies to activate these metals, aiming to find novel catalysts for NH3 synthesis.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 780-788
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00301A
A minireview on electrochemical CO2 conversion based on carbonate/bicarbonate media
(Bi)Carbonate electrochemical conversion has emerged as a promising technology. Studies on mechanisms, along with latest progress in catalyst design and working electrode optimization. are summarized. Challenges and opportunities are also discussed.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 564-572
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00287J
Effects of the delocalization state on electrocatalytic CO2 reduction: a mini-review
The delocalization state of catalysts has been found to promote the stability and selectivity of CO2RR. This mini-review was discussed how the delocalization state of catalysts affects catalytic properties.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 556-563
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00227F
Unconventional intermetallic noble metal nanocrystals for energy-conversion electrocatalysis
The distinctive atomic distance and coordination environment endow the unconventional intermetallic noble metal nanocrystals with enhanced electrochemical performance.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 545-555
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00248A
Selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3 over copper-based catalysts: recent advances and future prospects
This review presents the important progress of Cu-based catalysts for the NH3-SCR reaction. Special attention is given to elucidating the design of high-performance catalysts, as well as anti-inactivation measures in industrial applications.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 231-252
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00210A
A review of II–VI semiconductor nanoclusters for photocatalytic CO2 conversion: synthesis, characterization, and mechanisms
In this review, we briefly overview the syntheses, compositions, growth mechanisms, and performance improvement strategies of typical II–VI MSCs. Recent advances on the application of II–VI MSCs in photocatalytic CO2 reduction are introduced.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 687-694
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00106G
Advancing electrochemical N2 reduction: interfacial electrolyte effects and operando computational approaches
This review highlights electrolyte engineering's pivotal role in enhancing eNRR efficiency for sustainable ammonia synthesis, focusing on strategies like cations and solvent tuning, with operando computational techniques aiding in overcoming challenges and optimizing performance.
EES. Catal., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00197D
Rare-metal single atom catalysts for large scale hydrogen production under actual operating conditions
This review summarizes the research progress made in recent years in the rational design of RMSACs for large-scale hydrogen production under actual conditions, including high current density, seawater electrolysis and long term operation.
EES. Catal., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00205A
Progress in in situ characterization of electrocatalysis
In situ electrochemical characterization techniques are introduced from the perspectives of multispectral resolution, space resolution and time resolution.
EES. Catal., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00168K
Green energy driven methane conversion under mild conditions
This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent efforts and understanding in methane conversion to valuable products, including oxygenates and hydrocarbons, by taking advantage of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 1210-1227
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00155A
Uniting activity design principles of anode catalysts for direct liquid fuel cells
This review provides a comprehensive overview of liquid fuel oxidation electrocatalysts, from fundamental principles to state-of-the-art materials in an effort to unify design principles for future materials.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 1186-1209
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00100A
Revolutionizing ORR catalyst design through computational methodologies and materials informatics
The combination of density functional theory (DFT), machine learning, descriptor-based analysis, and computational hydrogen electrode is pivotal in discovering novel classed of active catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 1037-1058
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00104D
Advancements and opportunities in piezo-(photo)catalytic synthesis of value-added chemicals
Achieving value-added transformation of chemicals through green catalytic technology can simultaneously meet the market and environmental protection. This article reviews the recent advances in synthesizing value-added chemicals using piezo-(photo)catalytic technologies.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 884-910
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00313B
Advanced bifunctional catalyst design for rechargeable zinc–air batteries
This review provides an overview of advanced bifunctional catalysts that promotes both oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction in rechargeable zinc–air batteries, and analyses in detail their principles and future development.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 696-726
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00014E
A comparative overview of the electrochemical valorization and incorporation of CO2 in industrially relevant compounds
This review covers the recent work on the electrochemical valorization of CO2 towards key industrial compounds like carboxylic acids, urea and dimethyl carbonate by combining the eCO2RR intermediates with other active (in)organic reagents.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 753-779
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00005F
Cu-based catalysts for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia: fundamentals and recent advances
This review provides an overview of Cu-based catalysts for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia. It encompasses materials, reaction mechanisms, analysis methods and insights into the practical applications and economic prospects.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 727-752
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EY00002A
Crystalline carbon nitrides for photocatalysis
This review comprehensively summarizes the recent advances on crystalline carbon nitrides, including their preparation, optimization strategies, photocatalytic applications, as well as challenges and prospects.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 411-447
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00302G
Metal halide perovskites for CO2 photoreduction: recent advances and future perspectives
This review presents a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art developments in metal halide perovskite-based catalysts for photocatalytic reduction of CO2.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 448-474
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00187C
Nanostructured single-atom catalysts derived from natural building blocks
The emerging single-atom catalysts derived from biomass sources to date have been comprehensively summarized and discussed, including synthesis strategies, various biomass precursors, catalytic applications, existing challenges, and perspectives.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 475-506
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00265A
Pt single crystal surfaces in electrochemistry and electrocatalysis
In this review, recent advances in the use of platinum single-crystal surfaces in electrochemistry are addressed.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 399-410
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00260H
Recent progress in understanding the catalyst layer in anion exchange membrane electrolyzers – durability, utilization, and integration
This review discusses recent insights in catalyst layer design strategies for anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers, including electrode design, catalyst/ionomer integration, operational variables, in situ diagnostics, and cell durability.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 109-137
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00193H
Multidisciplinary approaches for enzyme biocatalysis in pharmaceuticals: protein engineering, computational biology, and nanoarchitectonics
This article reviews the integration of multidisciplinary approaches, including protein engineering, computational biology, and nanoarchitectonics, to advance pharmaceutical enzyme biocatalysis.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 14-48
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00239J
Research progress and perspectives on photocatalysts based on the lead-free double halide perovskite
Unlocking photocatalytic potential: this review explores the remarkable properties of lead-free double halide perovskites, their synthesis methods, and their role in photocatalytic H2 production and CO2 reduction.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 94-108
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00229B
Harnessing single-atom catalysts for CO2 electroreduction: a review of recent advances
We use an alchemical furnace as the main concept, with three pillars representing the general synthesis strategies for SACs. The four “elixirs” within the furnace chamber represent the diverse regulation strategies for SACs in CO2RR applications.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 71-93
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00150D
Single atom catalysts for water electrolysis: from catalyst-coated substrate to catalyst-coated membrane
This review summarizes the integration of single atom catalysts and catalyst-coated membrane architecture, exhibiting high utilization of SACs, facile ion transport, low interfacial resistance, and excellent scalability.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 49-70
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00165B
Gas-phase errors in computational electrocatalysis: a review
In this review we show how DFT gas-phase errors affect computational models of electrocatalytic reactions.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 157-179
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00126A
Structural engineering of catalysts for ammonia electrosynthesis from nitrate: recent advances and challenges
Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia offers a sustainable approach for nitrogenous waste upcycling. This review outlines recent advances in the design of electrocatalysts through cross-scale structural engineering.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 202-219
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00184A
Recent advances in tunable metal–support interactions for enhancing the photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction
Photocatalytic nitrogen reduction using inexhaustible solar energy has been considered as a promising strategy for NH3 synthesis. The design of heterogeneous photocatalysts with tunable MSIs is of great significance.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 180-201
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00191A
Photocatalytic inactivation technologies for bioaerosols: advances and perspective
Photocatalytic bioaerosol control systems are urgently needed to inactivate airborne pathogenic microorganisms to prevent secondary contamination.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 138-156
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00179B
A chemist's guide to photoelectrode development for water splitting – the importance of molecular precursor design
This review outlines the underexplored molecular chemistry bottom-up approach of bespoke precursor design in photoelectrode development for photoelectrochemical water splitting.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 832-873
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00176H
Emerging on-chip microcells in electrocatalysis: functions of window and circuit
We discuss current achievements on two basic functions: window and circuit; the former focuses on the active sites, e.g., site identification and monitoring; the latter highlights circuit characteristics, e.g., electrical-field modulation, contact engineering, and in situ conductance.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 874-891
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00168G
Atomically imaging single atom catalysts and their behaviors by scanning tunneling microscopy
STM is promising for atomically precise imaging of single-atom catalysts, including their geometric and electronic structures and their behaviors.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 794-809
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00174A
Electroreforming injects a new life into solid waste
This review draws the similarities between electroreforming of biomass and plastic derivatives and highlights the pretreatment of raw solid waste, the innovation in catalyst design, and mechanism investigation of waste derivative conversion.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 892-920
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00147D
Metal-doped carbon nitride: an all-in-one photocatalyst
Graphitic carbon nitride (CN) has received significant attention for energy conversion. Metal doped CNs, as all-in-one photocatalysts, integrate light absorption, charge separation, and reactive site by incorporating atomic metal into CN framework.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 810-831
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00123G
Strategies for the design of ruthenium-based electrocatalysts toward acidic oxygen evolution reaction
This review provides a thorough discussion of fundamental mechanistic understanding, attempts at advanced Ru-based acidic OER catalysts, and future research opportunities.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 619-644
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00092C
Recent advances in electrocatalytic NOx reduction into ammonia
Electrochemical ammonia synthesis from gaseous NOx pollutant enables the replacement of conventional Haber-Bosch process. This review summarizes the efforts toward electrocatalyst development for selective NH3 production from NOx.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 645-664
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00090G
Microkinetic studies for mechanism interpretation in electrocatalytic CO and CO2 reduction: current and perspective
The accurate and reliable microkinetic modeling of electrochemical CO2 reduction requires a synergistic combination of experimental and computational approaches, alongside the use of operando spectroscopies as complementary techniques.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 590-618
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00079F
Single-site catalysts for CO2 electroreduction
The emerging single-site catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction have been comprehensively summarized and discussed, including their catalytic mechanisms, synthesis, optimization strategies, remaining challenges and perspectives.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 434-458
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00063J
Catalytic hydrogen storage in liquid hydrogen carriers
The storage and transportation of hydrogen remain significant hurdles for its commercialization and large-scale implementation. Liquid hydrogen carriers have emerged as promising solutions in hydrogen energy conversion systems.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 459-494
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00076A
Strategies for reducing the overpotential of one-dimensional Si nanostructured photoelectrodes for solar hydrogen production
Strategies to reduce the overpotential of 1D silicon nanostructured photoelectrodes for solar hydrogen generation: co-catalysts to improve the reaction kinetics, hetero- and homo-junctions to improve carrier collection and enhance photovoltage.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 392-412
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00073G
Electrocatalysts for value-added electrolysis coupled with hydrogen evolution
Recent progresses of value-added electrolysis that replace OER with value-added anodic reactions. Representation of the elements: hydrogen (white color), carbon (gray), oxygen (red), nitrogen (blue), and iodine (magenta).
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 413-433
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00017F
Layered double hydroxides and their composites as high-performance photocatalysts for CO2 reduction
The panorama of the latest developments of LDH-based photocatalysts for CO2 reduction is exhibited.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 369-391
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00080J
A review of the recent progress on direct heterogeneous catalytic CO2 hydrogenation to gasoline-range hydrocarbons
This review presents important progress, main catalytic systems and critical scientific issues on direct heterogeneous catalytic CO2 hydrogenation to gasoline-range hydrocarbons.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 353-368
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00026E
Advances in organic semiconductors for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
This article reviews organic photocatalyst hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), discussing the excitonic behaviour and improvement strategies. It also covers progress in organic photocatalysts, and assesses HER efficiency and stability.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 333-352
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00047H
Recent advances in perovskite oxide electrocatalysts for Li–O2 batteries
This review provides a timely and comprehensive understanding of recent advances towards perovskite-based catalysts for lithium–oxygen batteries.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 230-249
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00028A
Clarifying the local microenvironment of metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives for electrochemical CO2 reduction: advances and perspectives
Electrochemical CO2 reduction has been widely explored since 1970's, which could alleviate the current environmental and energy crisis caused by excessive CO2. Various strategies have been developed, including engineering and optimization of electrolytic cells and catalysts.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 179-229
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00018D
Evolution of singlet oxygen in peroxymonosulfate activation: a review
Given that sulfate-radical-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) have attracted great attention in recent years, PMS activation has been reckoned to be an alternative method to the Fenton process in environmental remediation.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 103-116
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EY00107A
About this collection
In addition to high quality research papers, EES Catalysis features topical review articles. Reviews will be added to this webpage as soon as possible after publication.