Metal–organic frameworks and porous organic polymers for sustainable fixation of carbon dioxide into cyclic carbonates

Abstract

The capture and chemical fixation of carbon dioxide (CO2) into cyclic carbonates is considered to be a promising way to alleviate CO2 concerns and produce fine chemicals. This process can be effectively promoted by various kinds of newly developed porous heterogeneous catalysts with Lewis acidic and nucleophilic sites. These porous catalytic materials include metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent-organic frameworks (COFs), nanoporous ionic organic networks (NIONs) and amorphous porous organic polymers. In this review, we have briefly classified these materials based on their different structural features and compositions. The syntheses and catalytic performances of these porous heterogeneous catalysts are described from the perspective of catalyst design. This review will guide material scientists attempting to design more efficient porous catalysts for CO2 capture and conversions.