Challenges in unconventional catalysis

Catalysis science and technology increased efforts recently to progress beyond conventional "thermal" catalysis face the challenges of net-zero emissions electrification production. Nevertheless, a better gaps opportunities analysis is necessary. This review analyses four emerging areas unconventional or less-conventional which share common aspect using directly renewable energy sources: (i) plasma catalysis, (ii) for flow chemistry process intensification, (iii) application electromagnetic (EM) fields modulate catalytic activity (iv) nanoscale generation at catalyst interface strong local EM by plasmonic effect. Plasma has demonstrated synergistic effects, where outcome higher than sum both processes alone. Still, underlying mechanisms are complex, synergy not always obtained. There crucial need understanding design catalysts tailored environment, reactors with optimal transport species surface, tune conditions so they work in catalyst. Microfluidic (flow chemistry) another sector leading intensification syntheses, particularly organic chemistry. New must be designed exploit full novel possibilities. With focus on (a) continuous-flow photocatalysis, (b) electrochemical (c) microwave (d) ultrasound activation, series examples discussed, also indications scale-up industrialisation. The third area discussed regards effect performances applying oriented spanning several orders magnitude. Under well-defined conditions, gas breakdown and, some cases, formation generates activated phase species. field-driven chemical conversion depend further structured electric/magnetic catalysts, shape field strength direction. Different effects influencing have been reported, including reduced activation energy, surface charging, hot spot generation, selective heating. last topic complementary third, focusing possibility tuning photo- electro-catalytic properties creating localised electrical possibilities carriers generated discussed. thus aims stimulate reader make new, creative address reaching carbon-neutral world.