Metal–Organic Framework-Templated Catalyst: Synergy in Multiple Sites for Catalytic CO₂ Fixation

The types and quantities of active sites play a critical role in catalysis. Herein, ZnO nanoparticles encapsulated into N-doped porous carbon has been rationally prepared by the pyrolysis of a metal–organic framework (MOF) followed by a moderate oxidation treatment. The resulting catalyst exhibits excellent activity, selectivity, and recyclability in the CO₂ cycloaddtion reactions with epoxides owing to the synergy of multiple sites inherited from the MOF and generated by the oxidation process.