Cascade catalysis represents a transformative approach in the field of chemical synthesis, drawing inspiration from nature's metabolic systems to achieve sequential reactions in connected flow reactors. This method offers efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly routes to synthesize versatile organic molecules, such as fuels, feedstocks, and fertilizers. The concept of cascade reactions, which includes domino, tandem, or multicomponent reactions, has been extensively utilized in organic chemistry to generate complex synthetic molecules. Recent advancements in CO2 and nitrate/nitrogen reduction have highlighted the potential of small molecules like CO2, NOx, and N2 as building blocks for value-added products, including ethylene, ethanol, and urea. By integrating elementary steps with external fields and efficient catalysts, the efficiency and selectivity of these reactions can be significantly enhanced. Despite these advancements, there remains a need for a more comprehensive understanding and innovative approaches to further diversify and optimize chemical synthetic pathways through cascade catalysis.

This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive overview and stimulate increased efforts in cascade catalysis by combining electro-, photo-, thermo-, and biocatalysis. The primary goal is to create a robust chemical synthesis library and innovate synthetic pathways for versatile organic molecules. Specific objectives include the intentional design of both catalysts and reactors to achieve tandem catalysis, the integration of elementary steps in connected flow reactors for continuous production, and the enhancement of reaction efficiency and product selectivity. By addressing these objectives, the research seeks to advance the field of cascade catalysis and contribute to the development of sustainable green routes for chemical synthesis.

To gather further insights into the boundaries of cascade catalysis, we welcome articles including, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Design principles for tandem catalysis to achieve mutual alignment in reaction conditions, rates, and pathways
• Catalyst design to realize cascade or tandem reactions aiming at high activity, selectivity, and stability
• In situ or ex situ characterization of catalysts during reactions (e.g., electron microscopy, X-ray, UV/IR/Raman spectroscopy) to unveil the active sites, reaction pathways, and degradation mechanisms
• In situ or ex situ characterization of reaction pathways on specific catalysts
• Device engineering to enhance reactant utilization efficiency and product separation/collection
• Cell design to integrate electro-, photo-, thermo-, and biocatalysis for cascade reactions
• Comments and perspectives on future directions and commercialization of cascade reactions

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Frontiers in Chemistry

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