Crown ether-based covalent organic frameworks for CO2 fixation†
Abstract
With the development of industrial production, the excessive accumulation of CO2 has caused many environmental problems. The catalytic cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides is the most promising and green pathway for CO2 utilization. Thus, a new crown ether-based covalent organic framework (ETTA-B18C6-COF) was synthesized by a solvothermal method. The quadrupole moment interaction between the ether-oxygen groups on crown ether-based COF and CO2 made it a potential platform for CO2 cycloaddition. Its catalytic performance was evaluated by the cycloaddition reaction of 1,2-epoxyhexane and CO2. Under the optimized conditions, 90% conversion of epoxide and >99% selectivity of the adduct were achieved. Moreover, this catalyst exhibited satisfactory stability and tolerance for diverse substrates. This novel catalyst may provide new enlightenment for the activation and utilization of CO2.