Heterojunction composites with intimate interfaces can shorten the diffusion distance, which leads to a shorter path for photogenerated carriers, thereby increasing photocatalytic activity. Herein, we report the fabrication of Ti₃C₂-Bi₂WO₆ (TC-BW) heterojunctions hinged by Bi₂Ti₂O₇ joints via an in situ hydrothermal reaction of Ti₃C₂ in the presence of Na₂WO₄ and Bi(NO₃)₃. The TC-BW was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and Raman spectroscopy. TC-BW showed superior photocatalytic activity (productivity over 15TC-WB reaches up to 5.0 mmol_{reacted BA}·g_cat.⁻¹·h⁻¹) in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol using light-emitting diode (LED) light, arising from the surface defects and intimate heterojunction interface between the Ti₃C₂ MXene and Bi₂WO₆ nanosheets. TC-BW heterojunctions provide an enhanced separation efficiency of photogenerated charges, which in turn yields superior photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, it is well substantiated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In summary, this study elucidates the preparation of heterojunction composites with intimate interfaces for highly efficient photooxidation.

COFs with high stability and tunability face issues of self-stacking and restricted conductivity, whereas their S-scheme heterojunctions address these limitations. This review explores their synthesis, mechanism, applications, etc.

As a transition material between bulk materials and individual atoms, nickel clusters have interesting electrical and structural characteristics that could make them useful as catalysts. To examine the catalytic efficiency of nickel clusters in different applications, this Review combines experimental techniques with density functional theory (DFT). Researchers have shown that nickel clusters can activate and alter tiny molecules like CO, NO, and H₂ through DFT studies that delve deeply into their electronic structures, adsorption mechanisms, and stability. These findings lay the groundwork for the development of effective catalysts for various processes. Nickel clusters considerably improve the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), indicating their promise for renewable energy conversion. Furthermore, electrocatalysis for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) showcases the electrochemical performance of nickel clusters, demonstrating their stability and efficiency. The adaptability of nickel clusters is further demonstrated by their use in nitrogen reduction to ammonia. Experimental data confirm that these clusters are good catalysts for this crucial industrial activity. Hydrocarbon reforming and pollutant degradation are two areas in which research has shown that nickel clusters can be useful in thermal reactions. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM) are examples of in situ characterization techniques that support theoretical predictions by providing real-time insights into the structural alterations and active sites of nickel clusters during these processes. Preparing the way for future research and practical applications in energy and environmental technologies, this thorough study highlights the great potential of nickel clusters in constructing sustainable and efficient catalytic systems.

Dimethyl carbonate is a generally used chemical substance which is environmentally sustainable in nature and used in a range of industrial applications as intermediate. Although various methods, including methanol phosgenation, transesterification and oxidative carbonylation of methanol, have been developed for large-scale industrial production of DMC, they are expensive, unsafe and use noxious raw materials. Green production of DMC from CO₂ and methanol is the most appropriate and eco-friendly method. Numerous catalysts were studied and tested in this regard. The issues of low yield and difficulty in tests have not been resolved fundamentally, which is caused by the inherent problems of the synthetic pathway and limitations imposed by thermodynamics. Electron-assisted activation of CO₂ and membrane reactors which can separate products in real-time giving a maximum yield of DMC are also being used in the quest to find more effective production method. In this review paper, we deeply addressed green production methods of DMC using Zr/Ce/Cu-based nanocomposites as catalysts. Moreover, the relationship between the structure and activity of catalysts, catalytic mechanisms, molecular activation and active sites identification of catalysts are also discussed.

The aerobic oxidation of biomass transformations into valuable chemical products via a green catalytic process is one of the most important protocols because of its low reaction temperature and high productivity rate. Recently, the introduction of small-sized Cu and Au nanoparticles (e.g., 1–3 nm) upon the surface of oxides can provide more catalytic active sites and then enhance the catalytic activity of aerobic oxidations significantly. The introduction of these metal nanoparticles is a kind of perfect catalyst for enhancing the efficiency of the activation of oxygen molecules and the separation of photo-generated holes and electrons during the photo-oxidation reactions. In this account, we summarize recent progress of the aerobic oxidation of biomass alcohol toward the production of highly valuable chemicals over supported catalysts of metal nanoparticles (NPs), including methanol conversion into methyl formate via photo-oxidation over CuO_x/TiO₂ nanocomposites, biomass ethanol transformation with biomass furfural to produce hydrocarbons biofuels over Au/NiO catalysts, and glucose oxidation to gluconic acid using Au/activated carbon (Au/AC) as catalysts. Furthermore, at the atomic level, to understand the structure-property correlations, insights into molecular activations of oxygen and biomass, and the investigation of active catalytic sites on photo/catalysts will be detailed and discussed. Finally, future studies are needed to achieve more exciting progress in the fundamental revealing of the catalytic reaction mechanisms and conversion pathway and the future perspective in industrial applications.