Sarah Essam

Ms. Sarah Essam

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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12 March 2026 in Chemengineering
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MQMaría Lorena Malagón Quinto
María Lorena Malagón Quinto
Hilda Elizabeth Reynel-ÁvilaHilda Elizabeth Reynel-Ávila
Hilda Elizabeth Reynel-Ávila
DCDidilia Ileana Mendoza Castillo
Didilia Ileana Mendoza Castillo
Adrian Bonilla-PetricioletAdrian Bonilla-Petriciolet
Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet
Norma-Aurea Rangel-VázquezNorma-Aurea Rangel-Vázquez
Norma-Aurea Rangel-Vázquez
SESarah Essam
Sarah Essam
This review analyzes the catalytic routes for the Power-to-X (PtX) conversion of hydrogen to methane, methanol, ammonia, formic acid, and synthetic hydrocarbon fuels. The key reactive synthesis technologies and catalysts for each vector are described. Recent studies and pilot projects summarizing the reaction pathways of each vector and the associated catalyst technologies are also discussed. The analysis indicates that catalyst selection critically influences the efficiency and selectivity of these reactive systems. Some catalyst synthesis routes rely on expensive critical minerals (e.g., Ru and Rh), which raise technical and economic challenges for their industrial application. Catalyst deactivation and scale-up limitations are also relevant issues to be resolved. Emerging catalysts (e.g., Fe–Co or Co–Ni bimetallics, core–shell materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), electrides, covalent-organic frameworks (COFs), and perovskites) are being explored to enhance stability, selectivity, and deactivation. Europe leads PtX development to consolidate the industrial production of hydrogen-based vectors with strong policy support, while the industrial initiatives in Latin America are limited (for instance, Chile’s green methanol and ammonia projects are examples) despite its great potential to generate renewable energy. In summary, Power-to-X can store renewable energy and close the carbon loop; however, its industrial consolidation demands catalyst innovation and supportive regulatory frameworks to overcome the challenges highlighted in this review.