Atomic zinc dispersed on graphene synthesized for active CO2 fixation to cyclic carbonates.

Abstract

CO2 fixation to cyclic carbonates is important but depends on the catalyst. Here, atomic zinc (1.62 at%) dispersed on graphene was synthesized as a high-performance heterocatalyst for the cycloaddition reaction of epoxides and CO2. High yield (99%) and high selectivity (98%) of propylene carbonate with a TOF of 2889 h-1 were achieved. [ZnN3.76±0.2] was the active site, which was proved by advanced characterization, including synchrotron XANES, EXAFS and XPS and comparative performance tests.