Progress in the Heterogeneous Catalytic Cyclization of CO2 with Epoxides Using Immobilized Ionic Liquids

Ionic Liquids Functionalized MOFs for Adsorption

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and ionic liquids (ILs) represent promising materials for adsorption separation. ILs incorporated into MOF materials (denoted as IL/MOF composites) have been developed, and IL/MOF composites combine the advantages of MOFs and ILs to achieve enhanced performance in the adsorption-based separation of fluid mixtures. The designed different ILs are introduced into the various MOFs to tailor their functional properties, which affect the optimal adsorptive separation performance. In this Perspective, the rational fabrication of IL/MOF composites is presented, and their functional properties are demonstrated. This paper provides a critical overview of an emergent class of materials termed IL/MOF composites as well as the recent advances in the applications of IL/MOF composites as adsorbents or membranes in fluid separation. Furthermore, the applications of IL/MOF in adsorptive gas separations (CO2 capture from flue gas, natural gas purification, separation of acetylene and ethylene, indoor pollutants removal) and liquid separations (separation of bioactive components, organic-contaminant removal, adsorptive desulfurization, radionuclide removal) are discussed. Finally, the existing challenges of IL/MOF are highlighted, and an appropriate design strategy direction for the effective exploration of new IL/MOF adsorptive materials is proposed.

A Bio-Based Alginate Aerogel as an Ionic Liquid Support for the Efficient Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from CO2 and Epoxides

In this work, the ionic liquid [Aliquat][Cl] was supported into alginate and silica aerogel matrices and applied as a catalyst in the cycloaddition reaction between CO2 and a bio-based epoxide (limonene oxide). The efficiency of the alginate aerogel system is much higher than that of the silica one. The method of wet impregnation was used for the impregnation of the aerogel with [Aliquat][Cl] and a zinc complex. The procedure originated a well-defined thin solvent film on the surface of support materials. Final materials were characterised by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, N2 Adsorption–Desorption Analysis, X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption and Field Emission Scanning Microscopy. Several catalytic tests were performed in a high-pressure apparatus at 353.2 K and 4 MPa of CO2.

Basic ionic liquids for catalysis: the road to greater stability

Homogeneous and heterogenized basic ionic liquids as reaction catalysts have been highlighted, particularly where they are used to promote reactions that could form the basis of more sustainable energy and chemical production.

Highly selective visible-light-triggered CO2 fixation to cyclic carbonates under mild conditions using TiO2/multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) grafted with Pt or Pd nanoparticles

Visible light-induced CO2 fixation to cyclic carbonates catalyzed by Pd//TiO2/MWCNT photocatalyst.

Mesoporous Silica-Supported Ionic Liquids as Catalysts for Styrene Carbonate Synthesis from CO2

Various types of mesoporous silica were used as carriers to synthesize a series of immobilized imidazolium-based ionic liquids. Their activity was tested in the synthesis of styrene carbonate from CO2 and styrene. This is one-pot process, whereby two stages are carried out in one reactor and there is no need to isolate the intermediate product, epoxide. A systematic study on the influence of parameters such as temperature, the reaction time, CO2 pressure, as well as the amount and type of catalyst used was carried out. A strong synergistic catalytic effect of ionic liquid and Lewis acid was observed in promoting this reaction. The addition sequence of regents and amount of immobilized catalyst were considered crucial for the synthesis of styrene carbonate from CO2 and styrene. The tested silica-supported ionic liquids gave an easily-recyclable system which under the most favorable conditions ([mtespim]Cl/@SiO2; ZnBr2, 0.1 mol%; 110 °C, 4 h, 1 MPa) can be reused without a significant loss of catalytic activity nor selectivity.

Heterogeneous Catalysis with the Participation of Ionic Liquids

This mini-review briefly describes the recent progress in the design and development of catalysts based on the presence of ionic liquids. In particular, the focus was on heterogeneous systems (supported ionic liquid (IL) phase catalysts (SILPC), solid catalysts with ILs (SCILL), porous liquids), which due to the low amounts of ionic liquids needed for their production, eliminate basic problems observed in the case of the employment of ionic liquids in homogeneous systems, such as high price, high viscosity, and efficient isolation from post-reaction mixtures.