Electrosynthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides on a reusable copper nanoparticle cathode

Abstract

A highly stable and reusable Cu NP cathode was prepared by a simple method and used for the electrosynthesis of cyclic carbonates by electroreduction of CO₂ in the presence of epoxides under mild conditions. No added metal catalyst is required and the yields vary from moderate to very good. Furthermore, the activity of the cathode was shown to depend on the size of the Cu NPs.