SBA-15 supported triazolium-based ionic liquids as highly efficient and recyclable catalysts for fixation of CO2 with epoxides

A series of molecular sieve SBA-15 supported 1,2,4-triazolium-based ionic liquids (TRILs) were synthesized and employed as efficient catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides. The effects of various parameters, such as functional groups, anions of the catalysts, reaction temperature, pressure, reaction time, and the amount of catalyst used, on the reaction were investigated systematically. In addition, the catalyst can be easily recovered by filtration and reused over six times without loss of catalytic activity. It was found that high yield (80-99%) and excellent selectivity (97-99%) of cyclic carbonates could be achieved at mild conditions (2.0 MPa, 110 degrees C and 2 h) without additional organic solvents or co-catalysts. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.