Copper‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework for Selective CO2 Adsoprtion and Catalysis Fixation of CO2 into Cyclic Carbonates

Abstract

AbstractGiven the capture and utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, the CO2 separation and catalysis fixation of CO2 and epoxides have been of intense interest. In this respect, a microporous copper‐based metal‐organic framework (MOF) Cu2(ABTC) (ABTC=3,3’,5,5’‐azobenzenetetra‐carboxylic acid) was synthesized. The Cu–MOF endowed with open Cu sites, accessible pore cages and hexagonal channel (9.6 & 11 Å) exhibits permanent porosity (BET surface area of 2200 m2 g−1), good low‐pressure CO2 uptake (93 cm3 g−1, at 298 K), and moderate CO2 selectivity over N2 and CH4. In light of catalysis fixation of CO2 and epoxides, Cu2(ABTC) exhibited outstanding performance with high conversion of styrene oxide (96 %), and yield towards the formation of styrene carbonate (90 %) under mild conditions (1 atm of CO2, 60 °C, 8 h). Notably, the catalytic activity of Cu2(ABTC) outperformed that of other Cu‐MOFs, and the recovered Cu2(ABTC) can be reused up to six times without considerable reduction in catalytic activity.