In situ CO2 capture and transformation into cyclic carbonates using flue gas

Abstract

Synthesis of cyclic carbonates by the cycloaddition of CO₂ in flue gas offers a promising path to valorize CO₂. Here we demonstrate that the PP_1,4Br/ZnCl₂ catalytic system can efficiently capture CO₂ from flue gas and in situ catalyze the cycloaddition reaction to form cyclic carbonates. Under optimized conditions, up to 98% yield of cyclic carbonates is achieved. This catalytic system displays good tolerance to substrates with oxygen- and silicon-based functional groups, and exhibits excellent recyclability and water resistance for potential applications. In addition, the results of scale-up experiments (750 mmol) show that the PP_1,4Br/ZnCl₂ system has outstanding CO₂ capture and conversion ability. The residual content of CO₂ in the system after the reaction was 600 ppm, which realizes the integration of CO₂ capture and transformation into value-added chemicals.