Transition Metal Catalysts for Sustainable Chemical Transformations
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Abstract
The development of sustainable chemical transformations has become increasingly critical in addressing global environmental and resource challenges. Transition metal catalysts, particularly those based on earth-abundant metals, have emerged as pivotal enablers of green chemistry and sustainable industrial processes. This comprehensive review examines the role of transition metal catalysts in facilitating sustainable chemical transformations, with emphasis on biomass conversion, carbon dioxide reduction, and coordination polymer applications. The review explores various catalyst systems including transition metal carbides, dichalcogenides, and copper-based coordination polymers, highlighting their mechanisms, advantages, and applications in renewable fuel production and value-added chemical synthesis. Special attention is given to the design principles that enhance catalytic efficiency and selectivity while maintaining environmental compatibility. The integration of earth-abundant metals such as iron, copper, cobalt, and nickel offers economically viable alternatives to precious metal catalysts, thereby advancing the commercial feasibility of sustainable chemical processes. This review provides insights into current challenges and future directions for developing next-generation transition metal catalysts that can meet the demands of sustainable chemistry.
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