Clever use of natural clay materials in the synthesis of non-symmetric carbonates by utilizing CO2 as a feedstock: Ag/attapulgite nano-catalyst

Abstract

Using natural minerals seems to be one of the most novel and environmentally friendly strategies to design catalysts for CO₂ conversion. Herein, we report a facile and efficient nano-catalyst for the synthesis of non-symmetric carbonate by utilizing a magnesium-aluminium silicate nano-mineral—attapulgite (ATP). Thanks to the unique structure of ATP and its ability to absorb carbon dioxide, the Ag/attapulgite nano-catalyst has excellent catalytic activity and stability in the carbon dioxide fixation reaction. The design of this Ag/attapulgite nano-catalyst provides a novel idea for realizing CO₂ conversion and clay resource utilization.