Mesoporous zwitterionic poly(ionic liquid)s: intrinsic complexation and efficient catalytic fixation of CO2

Mesoporous poly(ionic liquid)s with zwitterionic structures have been successfully prepared. This synthesis made use of a facile template-free approach via precipitating an organic solution of an imidazolium-based poly(ionic liquid) homopolymer in a straightforward manner into ammonia-containing organic solvents. The complex products have a specific surface area up to 260 m(2) g(-1), and exist in a robust nanoparticle form. They could serve as active catalysts for the chemical fixation of CO2.