Topic: Rare Earth Catalysis and Energy Applications

Since the 1950s, rare earths, recognized as “vitamins” of modern chemistry, have experienced rapid advancements in diverse applications, spanning optical, electrical, and magnetic technologies. Over the last few decades, rare earths have gained prominence as robust promoters due to their unique valence electron configuration, strong spin-orbit coupling, and weak ligand field splitting, thus sharing great potential in energy storage and sustainable transformation. In the context of the imperative goal of achieving “carbon neutrality”, the comprehensive utilization of rare earths assumes a central and pivotal role in catalysis and energy applications, including electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and thermocatalysis. It is widely acknowledged that the catalytic preformation of rare-earth catalysts greatly depends on their preparation methods. With the rapid evolution of nanomaterial preparation technology and the upgrading of advanced characterization techniques, recent years have witnessed substantial progress in the preparation, characterization, and application of rare-earth materials. This Special Issue primarily delves into the development of rare-earth-based materials and their applications in catalysis and energy-related fields. Furthermore, it explores and highlights the key role played by rare earths and the catalytic mechanism of rare-earth materials on catalysis. We anticipate this Special Issue will provide readers with an instant and significant overview of the progress made in rare-earth-based materials for catalysis applications in the energy sector.

This Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following directions:
● Synthesis of rare-earth materials (transition metals, noble metals, etc.);
● Advanced characterization techniques for rare-earth-based materials;
● Applications of rare-earth materials in electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and thermocatalysis;
● Rare earth catalysis in energy generation processes (H₂ generation, CO₂ reduction, etc.);
● Theoretical investigations on the role of rare-earth materials in catalysis.

Rare-earth materials, preparation, characterization, catalysis, theoretical investigation, fuel cells, metal-air batteries, energy generation

18 Oct 2024