A CO2-philic ferrocene-based porous organic polymer for solar-driven CO2 conversion from flue gas

Abstract

Conversion of CO₂ to high value chemicals from diluted CO₂ flue gas is challenging but attractive in reducing CO₂ emission. Herein, CO₂-philic ferrocene-based porous organic polymers (Fc-POPs) are designed and demonstrate outstanding catalytic activity and recyclability for CO₂ cycloaddition under solar irradiation. The yield of cyclic carbonate reaches 94.7% in pure CO₂ (0.3 W cm⁻²), while the productivity is around 93% in diluted CO₂ (15 vol%, 0.4 W cm⁻²). Notably, the functional groups enable Fc-POPs to possess high-efficiency photothermal adsorption and outstanding affinity for CO₂ at low pressure (0.15 bar, 5.38 wt%) at room temperature. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the Lewis acid–base synergistic effect and intramolecular interaction reduce the energy barrier, synergistically promoting catalytic activities. In terms of the excellent catalytic performance, Fc-POPs are regarded as promising candidates for efficient fixation and conversion of flue gas.