Novel and highly efficient electro-catalytic cycloaddition of CO2 and epoxides to cyclic carbonates over reusable ionic liquid-based cooperative catalytic system

A novel and highly efficient electro-catalytic protocol for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2 using 1-aminopropyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([APMIm]DCA) as the supporting electrolyte, graphite as the anode, and Ti/TiO2-CNT-Pt as the cathode has been developed. Based on the cooperative effect between active Ti/TiO2-CNT-Pt cathode and active sites of supporting ionic liquid electrolyte [APMIm]DCA, CO2 and epoxides could be effectively converted into the corresponding cyclic carbonates in high to excellent yields under mild conditions. Moreover, the electro-catalytic system could be easily recovered and reused for six successive cycles without a considerable decrease in catalytic activity. This work provides a sustainable and efficient cooperative strategy for the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide into valuable cyclic carbonates.

Automated summary

A novel electro-catalytic method using 1-aminopropyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([APMIm]DCA) as the supporting electrolyte, graphite as the anode, and Ti/TiO2-CNT-Pt as the cathode has been developed for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2. The cooperative effect between the active cathode and the supporting ionic liquid electrolyte allows for the effective conversion of CO2 and epoxides into cyclic carbonates with high yields under mild conditions. The electro-catalytic system can be easily recovered and reused without significant loss in catalytic activity, providing a sustainable and efficient strategy for carbon dioxide fixation.