Cui, B., Lim, S. H., Trinh, Q. T., Lim, Y.-F., Lin, K., Lim, Q., Tan, T. L., Zhang, J., Poh, C. K., & Chen, L. (2025). Plasma catalysis research for sustainability. Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering, 19(12). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-025-2639-x
Abstract:
Plasma catalysis technology is emerging as a promising approach for addressing energy and environmental challenges in sustainability. This review provides an overview of plasma technology and summarizes recent advances in plasma catalysis from both experimental and theoretical perspectives. Current laboratory-scale studies have demonstrated the versatility of plasma catalysis in various processes, including carbon conversion, hydrogen production, and the removal of volatile organic compounds. The inherently complex environment of plasma catalysis requires in situ characterization and theoretical modeling to elucidate the underlying reaction mechanisms, which in turn guide the rational design of efficient catalysts and optimized reactor configurations. These advances are vital for enhancing the economic feasibility and accelerating the commercialization of this technology. Nevertheless, the scale-up and practical deployment of plasma-catalytic systems from laboratory to industrial scales remain challenging. In this review, we critically examine the current state of plasma catalysis research and its applications across a wide range of reactions. Particular attention is given to in situ mechanistic studies, reactor design, catalyst development, process scale-up, and theoretical modeling. Finally, we provide a forward-looking perspective on the opportunities and future directions to address existing challenges and harness the potential of plasma catalysis toward sustainable development.
License type:
Publisher Copyright
Funding Info:
This research / project is supported by the A*STAR - Central Research Fund (2022), the SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING RESEARCH COUNCIL
Grant Reference no. : NA
This research / project is supported by the A*STAR - Central Research Fund (2024), the SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING RESEARCH COUNCIL
Grant Reference no. : SC22/24-1333EU
This research / project is supported by the A*STAR - A*STAR Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) Industry Alignment Fund - Pre-Positioning grant
Grant Reference no. : A19E9a0103
This research / project is supported by the National Research Foundation, Singapore, and the A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) - Low Carbon Energy Research Funding Initiative
Grant Reference no. : U2102d2002
This research / project is supported by the Australian Research Council - NA
Grant Reference no. : FL230100023
Description:
This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering. The final authenticated version is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11705-025-2639-x.