Catalysis in sustainable energy resources: overview studies of hydrogen, methane, biomass and plastics

The worldwide energy structure is gradually shifting from traditional fossil fuels to new energy sources. Through the rapid development of sustainable energy, it is possible to protect the environment, tackle climate change, and improve energy security, thereby achieving sustainable development. Catalysis is the basis of the modern chemical industry, and nowadays it plays an indispensable role in sustainable energy. In this review, some sustainable energy sources including methane, biomass, hydrogen, and plastics will be introduced as alternatives to fossil fuels with emphasis on the catalyst systems employed in the generation and conversion of these sustainable energy sources. We expect such a review paper to be an appetizer in the popular topic of catalysis for sustainable energy and can inspire future research to boost the development of this interdisciplinary field.