Manganese oxide-based catalysts for the sustainable synthesis of value-added chemicals through oxidation processes: a critical review and perspectives for the future

Abstract

The use of manganese oxide (MnO_x)-based catalysts has gained significant recognition as a promising solution for the sustainable synthesis of value-added chemicals. These catalysts possess notable qualities such as exceptional catalytic performance, cost-effectiveness, stability, and environmentally friendly properties. This review provides an overview of three typical processes for constructing novel MnO_x-based catalysts through vacancy engineering, facet engineering, and crystal-phase engineering. It then discusses advancements made in the past five years in the sustainable synthesis of value-added chemicals using these MnO_x-based heterogeneous catalysts. This includes the aerobic oxidation of alcohols and hydrocarbons, homo/cross-coupling of C–N/NN bonds, and biomass transformation. The review emphasizes the crucial role played by vacancy engineering, crystal-phase engineering, and facet engineering of MnO_x-based heterogeneous catalysts in sustainable chemical synthesis. Lastly, it discusses the general challenges and future directions of this exciting area of research.