2D Co-Based Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets for the One-Pot Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from Olefins and CO₂

Abstract

One-pot catalysis of olefins and CO 2 provides an economical and energyefficient way for the fixation of CO 2 and the production of cyclic carbonates. In this work, a two-dimensional Co-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate MOF (2D CoBDC) was synthesized via a facile solvothermal reflux method and further examined in the onepot synthesis of cyclic carbonates. The results of activity evaluations and detailed kinetics showed that 2D CoBDC exhibited enhanced catalytic performance (92% of styrene conversion and 85% of styrene carbonate yield) under cocatalyst-free conditions of 100 °C, 1 bar, and 12 h, compared with the 3D counterpart. The results from effectiveness factors and Thiele modulus revealed the full utilization and negligible mass transfer limitations of the 2D CoBDC catalyst. A further recycle experiment confirmed the excellent reusability of 2D CoBDC with little loss in catalytic activity after at least 5 runs. Finally, a possible mechanism of the one-pot reaction catalyzed by 2D CoBDC was proposed.