Core-shell magnetic microporous organic networks decorated by Cu nanoparticles for CO2 fixation reaction

Abstract

In this research, a core-shell magnetic (Fe3O4, MNP) microporous organic network (MON) was first prepared, then Cu nanoparticles (NPs) were uniformly immobilized on the surface of the MON shell material. According to XPS and XRD analyses, the copper NPs are composed of metallic and oxide (CuO/Cu2O) components. TEM analysis showed that the size of the spherical Cu/CuO/Cu2O NPs immobilized on the MON surface is below 5 nm in diameter. XPS and photo PiFM analyses confirmed Cu NPs’ chelation by the amine groups on the surface of MON materials. MON-Cu/CuO/Cu2O as a heterogeneous nanocatalyst was tested for the synthesis of different carbonates via the CO2 fixation reaction. These compounds were successfully synthesized through the direct reaction between different epoxides and 0.5 MPa CO2 with yields up to 95%, in solvent-free conditions and with noticeable improvement in reaction times, reaching completion in as fast as 60 min.