Highly cross-linked cationic polymer microspheres as an efficient catalyst for facile CO2 fixation

In this study, a new type of highly cross-linked cationic polymer microspheres was synthesized by a simple procedure of combining 1,2,4,5-tetralds(bromomethyl)benzene and 4,4'-bipyridine. The influence of solvent used on the material structure and morphology was investigated and the obtained cationic polymers were fully characterized by FT-IR, BET, SEM, EDS, and TGA. Catalytic tests in the synthesis of cyclic carbonate from carbon dioxide (CO2) and epoxides under mild conditions, along with comparisons to various counterparts, well demonstrate that the newly designed cross-linked cationic polymer with regular spherical structure exhibits high activity and selectivity, coupled with easy recovery and steadily reuse. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.