2D Co-Based Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets for the One-Pot Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from Olefins and CO<sub>2</sub>
Xiaofei Chen, Shujun Liu, Chongxiong Duan, Yi Yu, Hongxia Xi
Abstract
One-pot catalysis of olefins and CO 2 provides an economical and energy-efficient 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 one-pot 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.