The Application of Biomass-Based Catalytic Materials in the Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from CO2 and Epoxides

Abstract

The synthesis of cyclic carbonates from carbon dioxide (CO2) and epoxides is a 100% atom economical reaction and an attractive pathway for CO2 utilisation. Because CO2 is a thermodynamically stable molecule, the use of catalysts is mandatory in reducing the activation energy of the CO2 conversion. Considering environmental compatibility and the high-efficiency catalytic conversion of CO2, there is the strong need to develop green catalysts. Biomass-based catalysts, a type of renewable resource, have attracted considerable attention due to their unique properties—non-toxic, low-cost, pollution-free, etc. In this review, recent advances in the development of biomass-based catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates by CO2 and epoxides coupling are summarized and discussed in detail. The effect of biomass-based catalysts, functional groups, reaction conditions, and co-catalysts on the catalytic efficiency and selectivity of synthesizing cyclic carbonates process is discussed. We intend to provide a comprehensive understanding of recent experimental and theoretical progress of CO2 and epoxides coupling reaction and pave the way for both CO2 conversion and biomass unitization.

Catalytic Performances of Cu/MCM-22 Zeolites with Different Cu Loadings in NH3-SCR

“…The burning of fossil fuels and intense human activities have caused sharp increases in the emissions of CO 2 , SO x (SO 2 and SO 3 ) and nitrogen oxides (NO x , mainly NO and NO 2 ) in the atmosphere, which have resulted in a series of environmental problems, such as acid rain, photochemical smog, the greenhouse effect and haze [1][2][3]. As a very stable gas in the atmosphere with 114 years of half-life, NO x has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its much higher greenhouse gas effect: 298 CO 2 global warning equivalents in 100 years [4].…”

Structural Characterization of Lignin-Carbohydrate Complexes (LCCs) and Their Biotransformation by Intestinal Microbiota In Vitro

“…Lignocellulosic biomass, an abundant sustainable carbon-neutral resource, has become an attractive candidate for generating biologically based materials, chemicals, and energy. , It mainly comprises structural polysaccharides (cellulose and hemicelluloses) and phenylpropanoid polymer lignins. These polysaccharides and aromatic polymers are cross-linked, forming resistant components known as lignin–carbohydrate complexes (LCCs).…”

Insights into the BPO4‐Driven Catalytic Mechanism for the Formation of Cyclic Carbonates from CO2 and Epoxides

“…The atom‐efficient reaction of CO 2 with epoxides to produce useful five‐membered cyclic carbonates products (Figure 1) is an example of these desired transformations. Cyclic carbonates can be used as polar aprotic solvents, electrolytes in lithium‐ion batteries, starting materials for the production of pharmaceuticals, monomers for polycarbonate synthesis, etc [5–13] …”