Advancements and Challenges of Cobalt–Zeolite Composite Catalysts in Heterogeneous Catalysis

Cobalt–zeolite composite catalysts (Co–zeolite) and their heterogeneous catalytic systems have garnered significant research attention owing to their superior catalytic activity and cost-effectiveness. The speciation of cobalt within these catalysts—either through impregnation onto the zeolite frame...

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Main Authors: Wanying Liang, Guangyue Xu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Chemistry
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2624-8549/7/3/81
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author Wanying Liang
Guangyue Xu
author_facet Wanying Liang
Guangyue Xu
author_sort Wanying Liang
collection DOAJ
description Cobalt–zeolite composite catalysts (Co–zeolite) and their heterogeneous catalytic systems have garnered significant research attention owing to their superior catalytic activity and cost-effectiveness. The speciation of cobalt within these catalysts—either through impregnation onto the zeolite framework or structural incorporation within the aluminosilicate matrix—is critically governed by the employed synthesis methodology, which subsequently dictates their distinct catalytic advantages in targeted reaction systems. Compared to homogeneous catalytic systems, heterogeneous Co–zeolite configurations demonstrate enhanced structural integrity that effectively mitigates cobalt leaching, thereby improving catalyst recyclability while minimizing environmental contamination. This review systematically examines recent advancements in Co–zeolite fabrication techniques and their catalytic performance across diverse applications, including Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, nitrogen oxide abatement, hydrogenation processes, and oxidative transformations. Particular emphasis is placed on elucidating the metal-framework interactions, with analysis of synergistic effects arising from multi-valent cobalt speciation and bimetallic cooperativity between cobalt and secondary transition metals. This work critically evaluates current challenges in Co–zeolite catalyst design. Finally, we propose future research directions focusing on a precise identification of active species and mechanistic elucidation, innovative synthesis strategies for cobalt speciation control, machine learning-guided catalyst optimization, and the advancement of eco-friendly catalysts.
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spelling doaj-art-b5b8235def41412d8bcc8f87bd4d6f322025-08-20T03:27:29ZengMDPI AGChemistry2624-85492025-05-01738110.3390/chemistry7030081Advancements and Challenges of Cobalt–Zeolite Composite Catalysts in Heterogeneous CatalysisWanying Liang0Guangyue Xu1Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, iChEM, CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomass Clean Energy, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, ChinaBeijing Nation Power Group Co., Ltd., No. 37 Chaoqian Road, Beijing 102299, ChinaCobalt–zeolite composite catalysts (Co–zeolite) and their heterogeneous catalytic systems have garnered significant research attention owing to their superior catalytic activity and cost-effectiveness. The speciation of cobalt within these catalysts—either through impregnation onto the zeolite framework or structural incorporation within the aluminosilicate matrix—is critically governed by the employed synthesis methodology, which subsequently dictates their distinct catalytic advantages in targeted reaction systems. Compared to homogeneous catalytic systems, heterogeneous Co–zeolite configurations demonstrate enhanced structural integrity that effectively mitigates cobalt leaching, thereby improving catalyst recyclability while minimizing environmental contamination. This review systematically examines recent advancements in Co–zeolite fabrication techniques and their catalytic performance across diverse applications, including Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, nitrogen oxide abatement, hydrogenation processes, and oxidative transformations. Particular emphasis is placed on elucidating the metal-framework interactions, with analysis of synergistic effects arising from multi-valent cobalt speciation and bimetallic cooperativity between cobalt and secondary transition metals. This work critically evaluates current challenges in Co–zeolite catalyst design. Finally, we propose future research directions focusing on a precise identification of active species and mechanistic elucidation, innovative synthesis strategies for cobalt speciation control, machine learning-guided catalyst optimization, and the advancement of eco-friendly catalysts.https://www.mdpi.com/2624-8549/7/3/81cobaltzeolitecomposite catalysts
spellingShingle Wanying Liang
Guangyue Xu
Advancements and Challenges of Cobalt–Zeolite Composite Catalysts in Heterogeneous Catalysis
Chemistry
cobalt
zeolite
composite catalysts
title Advancements and Challenges of Cobalt–Zeolite Composite Catalysts in Heterogeneous Catalysis
title_full Advancements and Challenges of Cobalt–Zeolite Composite Catalysts in Heterogeneous Catalysis
title_fullStr Advancements and Challenges of Cobalt–Zeolite Composite Catalysts in Heterogeneous Catalysis
title_full_unstemmed Advancements and Challenges of Cobalt–Zeolite Composite Catalysts in Heterogeneous Catalysis
title_short Advancements and Challenges of Cobalt–Zeolite Composite Catalysts in Heterogeneous Catalysis
title_sort advancements and challenges of cobalt zeolite composite catalysts in heterogeneous catalysis
topic cobalt
zeolite
composite catalysts
url https://www.mdpi.com/2624-8549/7/3/81
work_keys_str_mv AT wanyingliang advancementsandchallengesofcobaltzeolitecompositecatalystsinheterogeneouscatalysis
AT guangyuexu advancementsandchallengesofcobaltzeolitecompositecatalystsinheterogeneouscatalysis