Catalysis at the Solid–Liquid–Liquid Interface of Water–Oil Pickering Emulsions: A Tutorial Review

The development of reactive-separation processes, in which products are separated from the reaction media (i.e., reactants and catalysts) a single unit, is great interest industry as energy-intensive separation processes can be obviated. One promising alternative to accomplish this process intensification utilization biphasic emulsion systems, where based on differences solubility. Additionally, when solid nanoparticles with amphiphilic character catalytic activity employed it possible simultaneously stabilize liquid–liquid interface catalyze chemical reactions. This new technology leads (a) increased interfacial area, (b) enhanced mass transfer molecules between two phases, (c) simplified reaction/separation by using recoverable catalyst instead surfactants, (d) effective mixture their water/oil solubility thus avoiding distillation that product decomposition. To end, present tutorial review explores fundamentals Pickering catalysis (PIC) its application biomass upgrading (upgrading sugars pyrolysis oil), biogas liquid via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, biodiesel production context United Nations sustainable goals. We conclude contribution an outlook current bottlenecks commercial exploitation future directions PIC facilitate energy transition C-circular economy.