Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis
Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis (e-ISSN Indonesia: 1978-2993 ; ISSN International: 1978-2993; CODEN: BCRECO; Short Abbreviation Title (ISO 4): Bull. Chem. React. Eng. Catal., alternative title: Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering and Catalysis) is an international journal to provide a forum for publishing the novel technologies related to the catalyst, catalysis, chemical reactor development, kinetics studies, and chemical reaction engineering. As Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis is a fully open access journal, your paper will be available to anyone, at anytime, anywhere in the world This journal is published by Masyarakat Katalis Indonesia - Indonesian Catalyst Society (MKICS). The technical management of this journal is supported by BCREC Publishing Group. This journal has been accredited by National Journal Accreditation (ARJUNA) Managed by Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Republic Indonesia with First Grade (Peringkat 1, Sinta 1, Garuda) since year 2016 to 2028 according to the Decree No. 21/E/KPT/2018 and last updated by Decree No10/C/C3/DT.05.00/2025 Date of 21 Maret 2025. with Certificate of Accreditation (ARJUNA-SINTA) with Score of Accreditation of 95.5, and Certificate as Jurnal Bereputasi International. Fulltext PDFs of this journal have been distributed by EBSCO PUBLISHING (Academic Search Complete, Academic Search Premiere, and Academic Search R&D) and ProQuest Database (Engineering Collection; SciTech Premium Collection). The BCREC journal has been indexed and abstracted and displayed in Elsevier Products (SCOPUS, Ei Compendex / Engineering Village, EnCompassLIT), SCIMAGO Journal Ranking (Q3), Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Core Collection Database (Emerging Source Citation Index) (Q3 JCI), Dimensions-Digital Science, CABI, ASEAN Citation Index, DOAJ, Chemical Abstract Services (CAS); and ROAD ISSN. For year 2026, 4 issues (Volume 21, Issue 1 (April), Issue 2 (August), Issue 3 (October), and Issue 4 (December)) are scheduled for publication with 18-23 articles per issue. Commencement of publication: January 2008. Editor in Chief: Prof. Dr. I. Istadi. More info about Editorial Team here. International Diversity of Editors/Editorial Board: 27 Editors in 17 countries/Regions. Indonesia (11); Malaysia (5); Finland (1); Thailand (2); Equador (1); French (1); Italy (1); Portugal (1); Colombia (1); United Kingdom (1); Singapore (1); Egypt (1); Turkey (1); Nigeria (1); China (1) / Taiwan (1), Ecuador (1). Gender Diversity Distribution of the Editors: 23% woman; 77% man. Time to First Decision = 1 week Review Time = 4-5 weeks Publication Time = 1 weeks Current Acceptance Rate = 25% Time to First Decision is the average number of weeks it takes for an article to go from manuscript submission to the initial decision on the article whether it will be rejected, revised before review, or continued to review process, including standard and desk rejects. Review Time is the average number of weeks it takes for an article (after the first decision) to go through the editorial review process for this journal, including standard and desk rejects. Publication Time is the average number of weeks it takes to reach from manuscript acceptance, layouting process, to the first appearance of the article PDF fulltext online (with DOI). Current Acceptance Rate is percentage of submitted articles accepted during a calendar year; the total number of articles accepted out of the total number of articles submitted in the same year. Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis is supported financially by Article Processing Charge (APC) and the Training Division of BCREC (https://training.bcrec.id).
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Synthesis of Cu-PTC (Perylene 3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylate) Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) for Methylene Blue Photodegradation
Disposal of synthetic dye waste, including methylene blue, has been increasing in recent years. The photocatalytic method is an effective approach for degrading dyes, using Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as catalysts and light as the energy source. This study aims to synthesize Cu-PTC MOF as a photocatalyst and evaluate its performance in degrading methylene blue dye. Cu-PTC was synthesized using Cu(NO3)2.3H2O and perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) via a solvothermal method. The resulting MOF was characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet–Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Cu-PTC exhibits a bandgap energy of 1.72 eV and characteristic functional groups at wavenumbers 1689 cm-1 (C=O), 1590 cm-1 and 1360 cm-1 (-COO), 3450 cm-1 (O-H), and 738 cm-1 and 654 cm-1 (Cu-O). The Cu-PTC MOF has a crystallinity degree of 85.35%, a crystal size of 35.33 nm, and a rod-like surface morphology. Under visible light irradiation, it achieves an optimum degradation efficiency of 71.45%, with an adsorption capacity of 73.28 mg/g for methylene blue dye at a concentration of 50 ppm, using 25 mg of Cu-PTC MOF at pH of 7 over a period of 60 minutes. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Copyright (c) 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Hybrid TiO₂@SiO₂ Green Hydrogel Nanocatalyst for High-efficiency Photocatalytic Oxidation of Ciprofloxacin under UV Irradiation: Experimentation and RSM Optimization
A TiO₂@SiO₂ hydrogel nanocomposite was synthesized via a green sol-gel route for the photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin using a UVA/H2O2 system. The catalyst was optimized via RSM (response surface methodology), identifying UVA irradiation (365 nm) and pH of 5.6 as key parameters, achieving >89% degradation within 180. Characterisation confirmed homogeneous TiO₂ dispersion within a porous SiO₂ matrix. Kinetics followed a pseudo-first-order Langmuir–Hinshelwood model, and the catalyst retained high activity over five reuse cycles. This study introduces a UVA-optimized, RSM-guided photocatalytic system using a green-synthesized TiO₂@SiO₂ hydrogel –distinguished by its integrated process design, operational simplicity, and focus on solar-compatible UVA rather than conventional UVC-driven TiO2@SiO2 systems. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
TiO2/ZnO/CuO/HDTMA-Br Composite for Photodegradation of Oxidative Compounds of Used Cooking Oil (UCO): Photodegradation of Free Fatty Acids and Peroxides
Used cooking oil (UCO) contains peroxide and FFA, which can impede UCO processing and lower the quality of downstream products. The majority of pretreatment techniques currently in use have drawbacks, such as excessive chemical use. An alternative that is more successful and efficient is photocatalysis. No research has been conducted on the photodegradation of UCO using TiO2/ZnO/CuO/HDTMA-Br composites. Precipitation was used to create the composite. The TiO2/ZnO/CuO composite has a high crystallinity, specifically 74.54% in the 1 CMC-modified catalyst, according to the characterization results. The spectrum of the synthesized TiO2/ZnO/CuO composite showed the presence of H2O and CO2 groups in addition to the primary groups of TiO2, ZnO, and CuO. Additionally, the 1 CMC modification increased pore volume and surface area. The surfactant-modified composite exhibited a more consistent morphology, as observed by SEM analysis. The best results from photocatalytic testing at different temperatures, times, and surfactant concentrations were obtained at 120 °C for an hour with a surfactant concentration of 1 CMC. These results show that degradation using TiO2/ZnO/CuO photocatalysts can lower the FFA and peroxide contents of UCO by 65% and 59%, respectively, under ideal conditions. This study focuses on FFA and peroxide value parameters as a preliminary investigation into alternative UCO pretreatment solutions. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Modification of HZSM-5 with Phosphotungstate, Silver, and Cobalt to Enhance Catalytic Reaction of Bioethanol to Bioethylene
Developing an optimal catalyst formulation is a critical challenge in expanding sustainable ethylene production and utilization as a chemical intermediate product. Metal oxide impregnation (silver nitrate (AgNO3), cobalt nitrate (Co(NO3)2), and phosphotungstic acid (H3PW12O40)) was used to enhance the catalytic performance of HZSM-5 by increasing active sites and acidity. The preparation of the catalyst was performed by the impregnation of various metals and amounts of loading particles inside the pores of HZSM-5. The particles were impregnated by incipient wetness impregnation and followed by calcination to obtain Ag/HZSM-5, Co/HZSM-5, and W/HZSM-5 catalysts. Characterization techniques, including N2 adsorption-desorption, SEM, and XRD, were used to analyze the catalyst properties. Catalytic performance was evaluated in a packed-bed reactor under varying reaction conditions at WHSV 1.8 h-1. The aim of this research is to identify optimal catalyst formulations that exhibit superior activity in both conversion and selectivity towards ethylene production. Modified HZSM-5 catalysts incorporating Ag, Co, and W exhibited enhanced catalytic performance for bioethanol dehydration to bioethylene, attributed to optimized acidic sites, pore structure, and metal synergy. The 1%W/HZSM-5 catalyst demonstrated superior ethylene conversion (98.2%) and selectivity (99.88%) at 300 ℃. Increasing tungsten loading up to 2% impacted the conversion of bioethanol. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Eco-Friendly Synthesis of ZnO/CQD Photocatalysts from Waste Milk for Myclobutanil Degradation under Visible Light
Pesticides play a vital role in maintaining the global food supply amid rising agricultural demand and the adverse effects of climate change on crop productivity. Among them, myclobutanil, a triazole-based compound, is commonly used to safeguard plants against fungal diseases. The chemical compounds produced from the high toxicity, mobility, and persistence of pesticides in water can have harmful environmental effects. Food/organic waste has recently gained attention for its potential use in material research, one of them is stale milk. Stale milk contains lactic acid, which can be utilized as a carbon precursor for preparing carbon quantum dot (CQD). In this study, a ZnO/CQD composite photocatalyst was successfully synthesized using CQD derived from stale milk through a green hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO/CQD in degrading the pesticide myclobutanil was confirmed after 120 min, achieving a degradation efficiency of 30% while ZnO only 18% under visible light, demonstrating its potential as an excellent photocatalyst candidate for the removal of organic pollutants. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Effect of Nickel Incorporation on Nitrogen-Doped Titania/Zirconia Nanocomposites for Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol
The rapid expansion of industrial activities has resulted in the discharge of persistent organic pollutants, such as phenol, into aquatic environments. Nowadays, developing visible-light-responsive photocatalysts for the efficient degradation of such pollutants remains a major environmental challenge. In this study, nickel–nitrogen co-doped titania immobilized on zirconia (Ni,N–TiO₂/ZrO₂) nanocomposites with varying nickel loadings were synthesized and evaluated for phenol photodegradation under visible-light irradiation. Nickel incorporation significantly modified the optical and photocatalytic properties of the materials. The 5% Ni,N–TiO₂/ZrO₂ catalyst exhibited the lowest band gap energy (2.69 eV) compared with N–TiO₂/ZrO₂ (3.03 eV), leading to improved visible-light absorption and enhanced charge transfer. Under the experimental conditions (initial phenol concentration = 10 mg.L⁻¹, catalyst dosage = 100 mg, irradiation time = 120 min), it achieved a phenol removal efficiency of 85.36% with an apparent rate constant of 0.0229 min⁻¹, outperforming N–TiO₂/ZrO₂ (40.72%, 0.0042 min⁻¹). These results confirm that a 5 wt% nickel loading provides the most effective modification, demonstrating a strong synergistic interaction between nickel and nitrogen that enhances photocatalytic activity. The developed Ni,N–TiO₂/ZrO₂ catalyst, therefore, holds significant promise for future applications in water purification and environmental remediation. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Constructing the Active Sites of an Artificial Hydrolase Using Mercaptoethanol as a Destructive Agent
In the present study, (N-acryloyl-L-cysteine-benzyl amide)2 (Acryl-L-Cys-NHBn)2, N-acryloyl-L-histidine-benzyl amide (Acryl-L-His-NHBn), and N-acryloyl-aspartic acid-benzyl amide (Acryl-L-Asp-NHBn) were chemo-enzymatically synthesized from Boc-L-amino acids. Then, a mixture of these acryl amino acid monomers was copolymerized to form polymers. The resulting random polymers were then activated after a mercaptoethanol-triggered reduction of disulfide linkages to thiol. The activated polymer demonstrated substrate selectivity, turnover, and rate enhancement in catalyzing the hydrolysis of the esters of Cbz-glycine. The results demonstrated that radical polymerization can facilitate the task of preparing synthetic macromolecules capable of enzyme-like catalytic turnover, substrate selectivity, and rate enhancement. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Efficient Adsorption of Tetracycline from Aqueous Solution onto Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Isotherm, Kinetic, Regeneration and Thermodynamic Studies
The extracts of the bio-wastes produce from agricultural wastes and plants have been used for the sustainability, eco-friendly and economic synthesis of different metallic nanoparticles. The present study has proposed synthesizing zinc oxide particles (ZnO) by a green chemistry route using waste tea leaves extract to sequestrate tetracycline antibiotic (TEC) from wastewater. The prepared ZnO NPs were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transfrom InfraRed (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, and through the determination of pHpzc. The surface of the ZnO exhibits a highly heterogeneous texture with irregular, aggregated particles and rough surfaces with a BET surface area of 41.7 m²/g. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted, and the results showed that the prepared ZnO NPs could effectively adsorb > 95% of TEC from wastewater at the optimal conditions (pH of 5.5, shaking speed 200 rpm, adsorbent dosage 400 mg/100 ml, temperature 298 K, and 100 ppm initial TEC concentration at 120 min contact time). The kinetics of the adsorption describes well by Pseudo-second order model with a K2 value of 0.004 g/mg-min for a TEC concentration of 100 mg/L, while the mechanism was controlled by external mass transfer and intra-particle diffusion. Langmuir model fitted well the equilibrium adsorption data with a maximum adsorption capacity of 110.56 mg/g, and this provides evidence of a monolayer adsorption phenomenon. Negative ∆H° and ∆G° were indicative of an exothermic and spontaneous nature. Finally, the synthesized ZnO NPs also exhibited good regeneration potential, with only a 31% reduction in efficiency was noticed after five regeneration-adsorption cycles. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Enhancing Enzymatic Digestibility and Lignin Production of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) by Green Deep Eutectic Solvent
Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) is an abundant lignocellulosic residue whose high lignin content restricts its bioconversion into sugars and value-added products. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), particularly choline chloride–lactic acid, offer a green and tunable platform for selective delignification and biomass fractionation. This study investigates the effects of ChCl:LA (1:2) DES pretreatment under varying temperatures (100–140 °C) and reaction times (3-6 h) on the chemical composition, structural modification, delignification kinetics, and enzymatic digestibility of OPEFB. A modified combined delignification factor (CDF) was developed to unify temperature, time, and DES acidity into a single severity descriptor. Delignification followed a biphasic pattern successfully captured by the CDF-based kinetic model (R² = 0.9961), with activation energy of 63.5 kJ.mol⁻¹. Increasing pretreatment severity enhanced hemicellulose and lignin removal (up to 95.5% and 84.4%), while cellulose remained largely preserved. SEM, XRD, and FTIR analyses confirmed progressive disruption of the lignin–carbohydrate matrix, increased cellulose exposure, and removal of amorphous domains. As a result, enzymatic hydrolysis yield improved by more than twofold relative to untreated biomass, reaching 75.5% at 140 °C for 6 h. Mass-balance evaluation demonstrated that from 100 g OPEFB, DES pretreatment yielded 21.6 g glucose and 24.7 g recoverable lignin under optimal conditions. Compared to other pretreatment strategies, the ChCl:LA DES system achieved a balanced co-production of sugars and lignin in significantly shorter processing time. Overall, this work provides mechanistic, kinetic, and mass-balance insights into DES-assisted fractionation of OPEFB and highlights its potential in integrated multiproduct biorefineries. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO/Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposite for Remazol Red RB Removal in Aqueous Solution Under UV and Visible Light Irradiation
Textile industry wastewater contains synthetic dyes that are resistant to natural degradation, toxic, and capable of polluting aquatic environments. One commonly used dye is Remazol Red RB (RRRB), which is stable and difficult to remove through conventional treatment methods. Therefore, an effective approach is needed to break down this pollutant. This study aimed to develop and characterize a zinc oxide/hydroxyapatite (ZnO/HA) nanocomposite as a photocatalyst for degrading RRRB dye and to evaluate its photocatalytic performance under UV and visible light irradiation. The ZnO/HA nanocomposite was prepared by mixing ZnO and HA at a 1:1 ratio, followed by the addition of a small amount of water. The mixture was milled for 24 hours to obtain nanoscale particles. The resulting material was calcined at 700 °C and characterized using FTIR, XRD, and SEM-EDX to determine its physicochemical properties. Photocatalytic activity tests of the ZnO/HA nanocomposite toward RRRB dye solution were conducted in a batch system under 50-watt UV and visible light irradiation. The operational variables examined included catalyst dosage, initial pH, and dye concentration. FTIR analysis showed characteristic absorption bands of ZnO and HA, indicating successful formation of the nanocomposite. XRD results revealed a crystal size of 19.67 nm, while SEM-EDX confirmed the presence of Zn, Ca, P, and O elements, consistent with the nanocomposite composition. The degradation efficiency of 300 mL of 50 mg/L of RRRB solution at pH of 5 with 2.0 g of ZnO/HA nanocomposite under 50 watts of UV and visible light in succession was 90.43% and 80.93% for 120 minutes of irradiation. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Role of Synthesis Route on The Structural and Photocatalytic Activity of Magnetic TUD-1 Coated NiFe2O4
In this research, TUD-1 coated NiFe2O4 was synthesized by comparing in-situ and post- synthesis methods, for application as photocatalyst material in dye degradation. One pot synthesis of material was conducted by mixing all chemical precursors in a homogeneous system under hydrothermal condition, followed by calcination at 500oC for 2h. For comparison purpose, two-steps synthesis procedure conducted by firstly synthesis of TUD-1 followed by its use for NiFe2O4 impregnation. Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was employed as precursor for TUD-1 and NiCl2.6H2O and FeCl3.6H2O were utilized as precursors for synthesis of NiFe2O4 by co-precipitation method. The physicochemical properties of materials were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Gas Sorption Analyzer (GSA), zeta potential, Vibrating-Sample Magnetometry (VSM) and Ultraviolet-Diffuse Reflectance (UV-DRS). The photocatalytic activity examination of materials was conducted for methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) photocatalytic oxidation. The results indicated that in-situ prepared material (NFT-1) produced a higher specific surface area of 228.75 m2/g compared to post-synthesis material (NFT-2) with the value of 218.07 m2/g. The NFT-1 material exhibited band gap energy of 2.73 eV which support adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity. An excellent degradation of MB of 95.67% removal and RhB of 95.08% removal during 60 min were demonstrated by NFT-1. The materials showed magnetism to support easy in separation and reusability. Based on the reusability results, the synthesized material has maintained stability until 5th cycles. Evaluation on the effect of scavengers on the kinetics of photocatalytic degradation has been performed and the hydroxyl radicals (●OH) was proven to be the most important species for the oxidation mechanism. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Sheikh Ahmad Izaddin Sheikh Mohd Ghazali
Structure-Dependent Performance of N-Doped TiO2 Nanowires toward Efficient Solar-Driven Hydrogen Production
This research focuses on enhancing hydrogen production via the photocatalytic method using a TiO2 catalyst with nitrogen doping and morphology modification to improve efficiency. Nitrogen-doped TiO2 nanowires (NTN) were successfully hydrothermally grown on titanium foil to produce thin-film photocatalysts for the visible-light-driven production of hydrogen. Nitrogen incorporation induced bandgap narrowing, from 3.18 eV to 2.85 eV, by introducing N 2p states close to the valence band, thereby increasing visible-light absorption. Structural analyses confirmed the formation of lattice strain and oxygen vacancies associated with substitutional doping, while the one-dimensional nanowire architecture enhanced charge transport and reduced carrier recombination pathways. The optimized N–TiO2 NWs demonstrated the highest hydrogen evolution rate of 2.385 µmol/cm2 under 180 minutes of visible-light irradiation, corresponding to a hydrogen evolution rate of 0.795 µmol/cm²/h, without a noble-metal co-catalyst. A strong correlation is established between nitrogen-induced surface electronic modification and the enhancement of nanowire-driven charge separation. This study presents a recyclable and scalable thin-film photocatalyst design suitable for future solar hydrogen production systems. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance and Kinetic Improvement of Reusable W-based POM Composite for Produced Water Treatment
Produced water treatment remains a major challenge due to its complex contaminant composition and the limited efficiency and reusability of conventional photocatalysts. Polyoxometalate (POM)-based materials offer high redox activity and structural tunability. This study presents a novel tungsten-based polyoxometalate (W-based POM) composite with enhanced photocatalytic performance and kinetic superiority for produced water treatment. The objective of this work was to synthesize a reusable W-based POM composite and systematically evaluate its photocatalytic activity, adsorption behavior, kinetics, and stability. The composite was synthesized via a solvothermal method using Na₂WO₄·2H₂O and DMF. Photocatalytic experiments were performed by varying catalyst dosage (0.1–0.5 g), irradiation time (30-180 min), and reusability cycles. The W-based POM composite exhibited a rhombic polyhedral morphology with a well-organized three-dimensional POM framework, reduced crystallite size (14.8 nm), and compressive lattice strain, contributing to improved charge mobility. Optical analysis revealed a red-shift in the absorption edge, reducing the band gap from 2.80 eV to 2.25 eV and enhancing visible-light utilization. Photocatalytic experiments demonstrated high treatment efficiency, achieving 90% NH₃–N and 84% total dissolved solids (TDS) removal under UV irradiation within 180 minutes at an optimal dosage of 0.3 g. Adsorption behavior followed the Dubinin–Radushkevich and Temkin isotherm models, indicating an ion-exchange-dominated mechanism, while kinetic analysis revealed a multi-step process governed by intraparticle diffusion. The composite maintained stable performance over three consecutive cycles without significant activity loss. Overall, the results highlight the strong potential of W-based POM composites as efficient, reusable, and scalable photocatalysts for advanced produced water treatment. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Modification Strategies of Copper Molybdate-based Photocatalysts for Degradation of Organic Compounds in Wastewater: A Mini Review
Visible-light photocatalysis has emerged as a sustainable tertiary‐treatment option. Within this arena, copper molybdate (CuMoO4) is attractive because of its narrow bandgap enables direct solar harvesting while relying on earth-abundant elements. Yet pristine CuMoO4 suffers from low surface area (< 10 m2/g), rapid electron-hole recombination and Cu2+ photocorrosion, which curb quantum yields and raise secondary-pollution concerns. This mini review critically synthesizes research published between 2019 and 2025 on strategies devised to surmount these limitations. Four major areas are surveyed: (i) morphology engineering that multiplies active-site density and deepens light scattering; (ii) plasmonic or single-atom noble-metal decoration that extends spectral response and accelerates interfacial charge separation via localized surface plasmon resonance; (iii) band-gap and defect modulation through doping or oxygen-vacancy creation, narrowing band gap and introducing long-lived trapping states, and (iv) construction of p-n heterojunctions (e.g., ZnO/CuMoO4, graphitic carbon nitride/copper molybdate (g-C3N4/CuMoO4) that yield order-of-magnitude rate enhancements by spatially separating redox half-reactions. The synthesis approaches, from hydrothermal and co-precipitation to thermal-decomposition and solid-state reactions directly influence crystallinity, morphology and defect chemistry, with optimal hydrothermal conditions (180 oC, 10 h) producing high-purity α-CuMoO4 microspheres and oxygen-vacancy-rich Cu-rich phases delivering up to a 0.5 eV bandgap reduction. Emphasis is placed on correlating structural descriptors with pollutant-mineralization kinetics and on emerging green-synthesis trends. Remaining challenges and research priorities including stability against Cu leaching, scalable fabrication and in-situ mechanistic probes are highlighted to guide future catalyst design. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
3D/1D Amine Functionalized MIL-125/TiO2 NWs Metal-organic Framework Heterostructures for Solar Stimulated CO2 Reduction to Green Fuels
The urgent need to mitigate atmospheric CO2 and transition toward renewable energy has spurred growing interest in photocatalytic CO2 hydrogenation. In this work, we report on the fabrication of a novel 3D/1D NH2-MIL-125/TiO2 nanowire (NWs) heterostructure via a straightforward mechanical assembly method, combining the excellent visible light absorption of amino-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with the robust charge transport properties of one-dimensional TiO2 NWs. Structural and optical characterisations have confirmed on intimate interfacial contact and synergistic electronic interactions between the MOF and TiO2, forming an S-scheme heterojunction which promotes an enhanced photogenerated carrier separation. Under visible light, the optimised 5 wt% NH2-MIL-125/TiO2 NWs composite achieved methane and CO yields of 13.98 μmol/g and 84.76 μmol/g, respectively. Notably, CH4 production soared to 660.47 μmol/g under solar-simulated irradiation, representing a 47-fold enhancement. This significant performance boost is attributed to improved light harvesting, facilitated electron migration, and strengthened interfacial dynamics. This study provides a scalable and efficient strategy for designing hybrid MOF-semiconductor photocatalysts, offering a promising pathway for sustainable solar fuel generation. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Biomass-Derived Functional Silica Materials for Hydrogen Storage: A Short Review
Hydrogen storage remains one of the foremost challenges in the transition to a clean energy economy. While extensive research has focused on metal hydrides, carbon materials, and complex sorbents, biomass-derived silica materials with high purity (90 wt.%), large surface areas (297-895 m2.g-1), and mesopores (3-60 nm) show strong potential for hydrogen storage but remain largely unexplored. This review highlights the synthesis, structural properties, and hydrogen storage potential of biomass-derived functional silica materials, with a particular focus on rice husk (RH) and bamboo as a sustainable and abundant precursor. Two principal silicon extraction strategies, combustion and alkali treatment, are discussed, emphasizing their influence on silica purity, morphology, and amorphous structure retention. Thermochemical processes, including acid leaching and controlled calcination, are shown to be essential for removing impurities and tailoring textural properties such as surface area, pore volume, and pore architecture. RH-derived silica supports exhibit outstanding effectiveness in dispersing transition metals like Ni and Fe, which in turn significantly improve hydrogen sorption kinetics, catalytic efficiency, and the long-term stability of the material. Additionally, the review explores how various synthesis pathways are expected to influence the performance of resulting materials in hydrogen storage systems, noting how structural collapse during reprecipitation or thermal treatment can negate surface advantages if not properly managed. The combined advantages of sustainability, tunable structural properties, and seamless compatibility with existing hydrogen storage strategies position biomass-derived silica as a highly promising next-generation platform for advanced hydrogen storage applications. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Effect of Equimolar Sodium Borohydride-Ferric Chloride Concentrations on Nano Zero-Valent Iron/Palm Shell Composites for Simultaneous Nanogold Recovery and Hydrogen Generation
Gold-containing waste solutions represent both an environmental liability and a valuable secondary resource, yet few existing technologies integrate nanogold recovery with sustainable hydrogen generation from these streams. In this study, the effect of equimolar sodium borohydride–ferric chloride (NaBH₄–FeCl₃) concentrations on the synthesis and performance of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI)/palm shell composites was systematically investigated for the simultaneous recovery of nanogold and generation of hydrogen from gold-containing aqueous solutions. The composites were synthesized at different equimolar NaBH₄–FeCl₃ concentrations (0.5–2.0 M), while maintaining a fixed overall molar ratio, with palm shell biomass employed as a support to suppress particle aggregation and preserve reactive surface area. Nanogold formation was evaluated using UV–Vis spectroscopy via localized surface plasmon resonance, while hydrogen evolution was quantified by a water-displacement method. Surface properties were characterized by BET analysis. Nanogold recovery increased progressively with increasing equimolar precursor concentration, whereas hydrogen production exhibited a non-linear dependence, reaching a maximum of 29.02 mL at 1.5 M, which also corresponded to the highest BET surface area (13.57 m²/g). Further increasing the equimolar NaBH₄–FeCl₃ concentration to 2.0 M led to surface passivation and diminished reactivity. These results demonstrate that equimolar precursor concentration plays a critical role in governing nZVI/palm shell composite structure and functionality. The optimized composite exhibits strong potential as a multifunctional material for integrated precious metal recovery and green hydrogen production, thereby contributing to sustainable circular resource utilization and clean energy technologies. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Comparative Evaluation of Fe-MOF, Cu-MOF, and Bimetallic Fe/Cu-MOF for Enhanced CO₂ Adsorption: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance Analysis
Rising atmospheric CO₂ concentrations necessitate the development of efficient and economically viable carbon capture materials. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer strong potential due to their tunable pore structures and accessible metal sites. In this work, Fe-MOF, Cu-MOF, and bimetallic Fe/Cu-MOF were synthesized via a solvothermal route and systematically evaluated for CO₂ adsorption performance. The materials were characterized using SEM-EDX, FTIR, XRD, BET, and TGA to establish correlations between structural properties and adsorption behavior. CO₂ uptake was investigated under varying pressure (1-5 bar), adsorbent dosage (0.2-0.5 g), and temperature (40-50 °C). Among the three adsorbents, Fe/Cu-MOF exhibited the highest adsorption capacity, reaching 3.22 mg.g-¹ at 5 bar, outperforming Fe-MOF (2.54 mg.g-¹) and Cu-MOF (2.35 mg.g-¹). Adsorption increased markedly with pressure, showed non-linear dependence on dosage due to site underutilization and diffusion limitations, and decreased with increasing temperature, indicating an exothermic physisorption-dominated process. BET analysis revealed that Fe/Cu-MOF possessed the highest surface area (19.4 m².g-¹) and pore volume (0.0489 cm³.g-¹), while XRD and FTIR confirmed successful incorporation of both metal centers, generating chemically heterogeneous adsorption sites. Kinetic analysis demonstrated that CO₂ uptake follows a pseudo-first-order model, consistent with surface-controlled physisorption. The enhanced performance of Fe/Cu-MOF is attributed to synergistic effects arising from dual-metal coordination, improved pore connectivity, and increased availability of active adsorption domains. These findings highlight the potential of bimetallic Fe/Cu-MOFs as promising candidates for pressurized CO₂ capture applications and provide insight into structure-performance relationships governing gas adsorption in defect-rich MOF systems. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Effect of Sodium Borohydride to Ferric Chloride Molar Ratios on Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron for Hydrogen Generation from Formic Acid
Hydrogen generation from formic acid using nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) represents a promising route for low-cost and sustainable hydrogen production. However, the effect of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) to ferric chloride (FeCl₃) molar ratio on nZVI synthesis and performance remains insufficiently explored. This study investigated how varying NaBH₄:FeCl₃ molar ratios affect nZVI synthesis characteristics and its hydrogen generation efficiency from formic acid, which acts as a safe and easily handled hydrogen carrier. nZVI was synthesized through a one-step liquid-phase chemical reduction method using NaBH₄:FeCl₃ ratios ranging from 4.4:1 to 8.8:1. UV–Vis spectroscopy indicated that the 4.4:1 ratio yielded the highest nZVI formation, reflecting optimal reduction efficiency and particle formation. Hydrogen generation experiments conducted in a closed reactor equipped with a water displacement system revealed that nZVI synthesized at the 4.4:1 ratio achieved the maximum hydrogen volume (98 mL), which progressively declined to 53 mL at the 8.8:1 ratio. These findings demonstrate that precursor molar ratios significantly influence nZVI formation, stability, and reactivity toward hydrogen evolution. An optimal NaBH₄:FeCl₃ ratio of 4.4:1 was identified for maximizing nZVI formation and hydrogen volume, providing valuable insights for developing scalable formic acid–based hydrogen generation systems. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Comparative Assessment of Empirical Coke Deposition Models during n-Butanol Dehydration over a Zeolite-Y-Based Cracking Catalyst
The dehydration of n-butanol to butenes over zeolite-Y is accompanied by coke formation, which progressively deactivates the catalyst and affects reaction kinetics. In this study, dehydration was performed in an isothermal fixed-bed reactor at 400–500 °C using a commercial zeolite-Y composite catalyst. Coke deposition was quantified gravimetrically, while catalyst characterization showed a Si/Al ratio of 6, surface area of 353.9 m².g⁻¹, pore diameter of 57.2 Å, and pore volume of 0.602 cm³.g⁻¹, confirming a mesoporous structure. Coke accumulation data were analyzed using the Voorhies power-law model and analytical expressions derived from the Dumez–Froment empirical model. Model parameters were estimated by fitting experimental coke content data at different temperatures. The Voorhies model showed excellent agreement with experimental data (R² = 0.96–0.98). Among the Dumez–Froment-based expressions, only the logarithmic form accurately described coke deposition, while other forms resulted in poor fits. The results indicate that coke formation is progressively inhibited by accumulated coke, likely due to pore blockage and reduced accessibility of active sites. These findings identify suitable empirical models for predicting coke deposition and catalyst deactivation during n-butanol dehydration over zeolite-Y catalysts. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
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