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.