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The electrochemical synthesis of organic acids is often performed in alkaline electrolytes. This Analysis presents a techno-economic analysis highlighting the challenges involved in using such electrolytes for downstream product separation and electrolyte recovery.
Plasmonic photocatalysis presents opportunities for efficient utilization of sunlight for chemical transformations, yet its mechanisms, including the relative contribution of thermal and non-thermal effects, remain controversial. Here the authors develop methodology to monitor both effects and propose a metric, overall light effectiveness, to evaluate and maximize the total light-driven enhancement.
Reforming of methane with H2S bears a potential for the practical generation of hydrogen from sour natural gas but remains underutilized. Here the authors analyse the reactivity of metal oxides of group 4–6 elements, which are commonly regarded as inert supports for methane activation, and highlight the substantial reactivity of these material ascribed to highly dynamic cation-bound sulfur species.
The development of platinum group metal-free catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction is central to the implementation of fuel cell technology. Here the authors introduce and analyse a dedicated protocol for platinum group metal-free oxygen reduction reaction catalysts to assess their activity and durability under relevant working conditions.
Catalyst development in academia focuses on performance metrics, giving only secondary attention to costs despite their relevance for commercialization. Here, the authors analyse the properties of a handy and free cost estimation tool that can inform the early stages of catalysis research.
The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction has recently attracted significant interest, but the true source of ammonia formation remains sometimes unclear. This Analysis reports a systematic investigation of the presence of nitrogen-containing species in a number of commercial catalysts, revealing substantial levels of NOx− and nitrides impurities for some of them.