Bayesian optimization guides the discovery of high-performance catalysts for direct CO2-to-jet-fuel conversion Bayesian optimization was used to guide the discovery of an unconventional CO2 Fischer-Tropsch catalyst selective to jet-fuel-range hydrocarbons. The Fe1Cu1.8K0.01 catalyst achieved the highest C5+ yield reported for CO2-FT, with more than 70% of the liquid product in the jet-fuel range and stable composition over extended operation. After upgrading, the CO2-derived liquid shows strong potential for blending into conventional jet fuel.

Online Now: Bayesian optimization guides the discovery of high-performance catalysts for direct CO2-to-jet-fuel conversion #catalysis

Frontiers in atomic-level manufacturing: atomic-scale electrochemical deposition

Researchers evaluate atomic-scale electrochemical deposition, addressing the technical challenges of single-atom precision to enable next-generation applications in #MolecularElectronics and high-efficiency #Catalysis.

#OpenAccess: doi.org/10.1088/2631...

Microenvironment control strategies for stable single-atom catalysts in Fenton water treatment This review focuses on single-atom catalysts in Fenton-like systems, establishing links between coordination microenvironments and atomic structures while tracking their dynamic evolution. A multi-level strategy is proposed to tune these microenvironments, involving interactions between metal atoms, support materials, and non-covalent forces. To address efficient control of dynamic microenvironments, the potential of machine-learning-assisted strategies and large-scale catalyst applications in complex reaction environments is emphasized. Lastly, the challenges and prospects faced by the coordination microenvironment are summarized.

Online Now: Microenvironment control strategies for stable single-atom catalysts in Fenton water treatment #catalysis

Electricity-driven plasma-thermocatalytic cascade for direct nitrogen fertilizer production from air and water To address the environmental challenges of conventional nitrogen fertilizer production, a fully electricity-driven plasma-thermal #catalytic cascade is proposed for NH4NO3 synthesis from air and water. N2 (from air) and water vapor are activated in a plasma discharge to generate NOx and H2, with a portion of NO converted to NH3 via thermocatalytic hydrogenation. The remaining NOx and the generated NH3 are co-absorbed in the presence of O2 to form an aqueous NH4NO3 solution, enabling nitrogen fertilizer production without fossil fuels.

Online Now: Electricity-driven plasma-thermocatalytic cascade for direct nitrogen fertilizer production from air and water #catalysis

In situ and operando characterization of photo/photothermocatalytic CO2 reduction Real-time operando and in situ tools uncover how photocatalysts evolve and activate during solar-driven CO2 reduction, while integrated techniques reveal structural, electronic, and mechanistic dynamics under reaction conditions. Multimodal approaches provide a holistic view of catalyst behavior and intermediate formation, enabling deeper mechanistic clarity. Building on these insights, AI-accelerated analysis and next-generation platforms enhance data interpretation and predictive capabilities. Together, these advancements guide the rational design of efficient catalysts and advance sustainable CO2 conversion technologies.

Online Now: In situ and operando characterization of photo/photothermocatalytic CO2 reduction #catalysis

✨ ICMS #SciTalks returns on April 14!

The researcher Juan Pedro Holgado will present results from his work on TiO₂‑modified bentonite for improved Ni catalysts in methane dry reforming.

🔗 Article: link.springer.com/article/10.1...
#Catalysis #DRM #CleanEnergy

Sonia's cartoon impression of our talk at the Syngasconvention5 this March in Cape Town.

Malte Behrens presenting our latest results at the Syngasconvention5 this March in Cape Town

👉 Syngas at its best: This week in Cape Town, the international catalysis community has discussed progress and new approaches to create and convert syngas in a sustainable manner.

📊 From our group, recent results from Yannick, Jihao and Shilong on the […]

[Original post on fediscience.org]

Spin effects in CO methanation over promoted Ni catalysts Magnetism can directly influence how catalysts work. In CO methanation on Ni catalysts, promoter metals enhance activity by suppressing the surface magnetic moment, strengthening key intermediate binding and lowering bond-breaking barriers. The binding enhancement scales with spin reduction, and new reaction pathways become accessible. This study introduces spin-state engineering as a practical strategy for tuning the activity and mechanism in magnetic metal catalysts.

Online Now: Spin effects in CO methanation over promoted Ni catalysts #catalysis

Dynamic reconstruction and solvation effects in CO2 reduction catalysts Understanding the coupling between dynamic surface reconstruction and solvation is crucial for CO2RR catalyst design. This perspective highlights how molecular dynamics (MD) simulations uncover reconstruction-induced active sites and the regulatory role of interfacial water through cavity formation energy. Emerging links between surface restructuring and hydrogen-bond networks are discussed, and machine-learning-accelerated MD is showcased as a bridge between static models and realistic operando electrochemical interfaces.

Online Now: Dynamic reconstruction and solvation effects in CO2 reduction catalysts #catalysis

Dynamic interfacial microenvironments in electrochemical CO2 reduction The selectivity of multi-carbon (C2+) products in electrochemical CO2 reduction is determined by dynamically coupled interfacial states under operating conditions. Mass transport, local microenvironments, and catalyst reconstruction evolve concurrently during reaction and collectively shape the accessibility of sustained C–C coupling pathways. Identifying and regulating these dynamic interfacial states could provide a pathway toward rational CO2-to-C2+ electrosynthesis and guide the design of #catalytic interfaces under realistic electrochemical conditions.

Online Now: Dynamic interfacial microenvironments in electrochemical CO2 reduction #catalysis

Cross-tuning Co0.85Se nanoparticles and Co single-atom sites for efficient and stable rechargeable zinc-air batteries Rechargeable zinc-air batteries are limited by the insufficient activity and stability of catalysts at the air cathode. This work introduces a catalyst design that simultaneously improves oxygen reaction performance and durability, enabling record energy density and long cycle life for next-generation energy storage.

Online Now: Cross-tuning Co0.85Se nanoparticles and Co single-atom sites for efficient and stable rechargeable zinc-air batteries #catalysis

Breakthrough Catalyst Turns CO2 Into Fuel With Incredible Efficiency A redesigned catalyst appears to sidestep a major bottleneck in CO2-to-methanol conversion by separating where key reaction steps occur.

Breakthrough Catalyst Turns CO2 Into Fuel With Incredible Efficiency #Science #Chemistry #EnvironmentalChemistry #CO2Reduction #Catalysis #SustainableEnergy

scitechdaily.com/breakthrough-catalyst-tu...

⚡ Smarter catalyst design = better batteries!
By using steric hindrance in porphyrins, researchers prevented metal atoms from clustering—unlocking highly active Fe single-atom sites.
🔥 Pt-level ORR performance + excellent Zn–air battery output!
🔗 doi.org/10.1007/s117...
#Catalysis #CleanEnergy

Open Call for Papers: Single-Atom Catalysts for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Applications – Journal of Materials Chemistry Blog

Find out more: blogs.rsc.org/jm/2026/03/2... #Catalysis #Energy #Environment

🤩 our new cover!

The cover features the review on how liquid–liquid phase separation can boost #catalysis in both natural and engineered systems.
In living cells, it creates flexible, membrane-free structures that improve control the surroundings and behavior of #enzymes.

We converted coffee grounds into a metal-free catalyst that removes H₂S with >99% efficiency and ~100% sulfur selectivity.

✔ No metals
✔ Stable under humidity & CO₂
✔ Waste-to-resource solution

A new path for sustainable gas purification.
#Biochar #Catalysis #Sustainability
doi.org/10.1007/s427...

We converted coffee grounds into a metal-free catalyst that removes H₂S with >99% efficiency and ~100% sulfur selectivity.

✔ No metals
✔ Stable under humidity & CO₂
✔ Waste-to-resource solution

A new path for sustainable gas purification.
#Biochar #Catalysis #Sustainability
doi.org/10.1007/s427...

Michael presenting his result at the annual meeting of the German Catalysis Society.

Jihao on the big stage at the Weimar convention center presenting his result at the annual meeting of the German Catalysis Society.

Benjamin being honored with a "red lion" for ten contribution to the annual meeting of the German Catalysis Society

Nick presenting his result at the annual meeting of the German Catalysis Society.

👉 Three exciting days of catalysis research: The 59. annual meeting of the German Catalysis Society im Weimar has come to an end.

🤝 We have seen great talks and lectures. Also results from our group have been presented in various formats with a lot of […]

[Original post on fediscience.org]

Excited to keep pushing forward on sustainable lab practices, circular chemistry, and student‑led innovation. 💚
#GreenChemistry #SustainableChemistry #CircularEconomy #Catalysis #OrganicSynthesis
#WasteValorization #OpenScience #UCL #Chemistry #RECOMPENSE

🌳New Paper 🌳
“Effective #H2O2 #electrosynthesis enabled by #carbonyl sites on wrinkled #carbon surface” by Guang-Ping Hao et al. from Dalian University of Technology.
#chemsky #chemical #research #catalysis
🔗➡️ doi.org/10.1016/j.gce.2026.02.002

Thrilled to welcome Prof. Dr. Blaž Likozar (National Institute of Chemistry, Slovenia) to the #CCESC2026 Scientific Committee!
A leading expert in catalysis, reaction engineering & CO₂ conversion, with 400+ publications and major EU research projects.
#Catalysis #CCESC2026

Recovery of doped nickel hydroxides from metal-smelting wastewater for #electrocatalytic upcycling of waste polyester A one-step electrodeposition strategy directly converts metal-laden wastewater into a high-performance NiCoFe hydroxide catalyst, enabling efficient upgrading of PET waste into formate. This “waste-to-resource” approach provides a sustainable solution for both metal recovery and plastic valorization. The methodology integrates the recovery and functionalization of waste metals in a single platform, offering potential for use in diverse fields, including energy conversion and environmental remediation.

Online Now: Recovery of doped nickel hydroxides from metal-smelting wastewater for #electrocatalytic upcycling of waste polyester #catalysis

#CRC1333 doctoral researcher Meng Kuan took part in the Einstein Slam at the #DPGSpringMeeting of the Condensed Matter Section (SKM) last week.

In his talk “My illegal liquid journey”, he presented his research on Atom Probe Tomography of Liquids.

#SFB1333 #AtomProbeTomography #Catalysis

Join us in April 2026 for the 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐩 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

📅Registration deadline: 30 March 2026
🔗 www.rsc.org/events/detai...
🌍London, UK

#FDHETCAL #ChemSky #FaradayDiscussion #Catalysis #SurfaceScience #FD_Catalysis

@rsc.org

🔬 #ICCC2026 Theme Focus: Catalysis & Bond Activation

From small-molecule activation to sustainable catalytic pathways, this theme highlights cutting-edge advances in coordination chemistry incl. CO₂ valorization, organometallic innovation & more.

🔗 iccc2026.com #Catalysis #CoordinationChemistry

⚡ Better catalysts are key to next-generation fuel cells. This review highlights advances in M–N–C single-atom catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), including dual-metal sites, multi-metallic catalysts, and carbon engineering.
🔗 rdcu.be/e8ls8
#FuelCells #Electrocatalysis #Catalysis

Reductive #catalytic upcycling of polyolefins for sustainable fuel production (Chem Catalysis 6, 101662; March 19, 2026)

Online Now: Reductive #catalytic upcycling of polyolefins for sustainable fuel production #catalysis

#RobSelects paper of the week #J_A_C_S: Asymmetric Sm-catalyzed carbon-carbon coupling between alkenes and ketones forming tertiary alcohols. #catalysis https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c20884

Interesting talk by Danny Broere of the University of Utrecht at #Lunteren2026. He gave exciting insights into equipping metal complexes with new functions by exploiting metal-ligand cooperativity.

pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1...
#ChemSky #Catalysis #MetalComplexes

Using individual atoms to achieve fossil-free chemistry renewable-carbon.eu/news/?p=174416 #carboncapture #catalysis #ccu #circulareconomy #greenchemistry #hydrogen #methanol #useco2 #RenewableCarbon