Two dimensional covalent organic framework materials for chemical fixation of carbon dioxide: Excellent repeatability and high selectivity

Two dimensional (2D) metalloporphyrin-based covalent organic framework (COF) composites were synthesized and employed to catalyze the coupling of CO₂ and epoxides to form cyclic carbonates. With the aid of a co-catalyst, a satisfactory selectivity (∼100%) and activity (99.2%) for the synthesis of 1,2-butylene carbonate were obtained on COF-366-Zn under mild reaction conditions. Their great recyclability and adaptability for various substrates were also demonstrated. The excellent performance may be benefited from their unique 2D COF structure and the facilitation effects on central metalloporphyrin sites from the internal environment of COFs.