Eu3+ and Lysine Co-intercalated α-Zirconium Phosphate and Its Catalytic Activity for Copolymerization of Propylene Oxide and CO2

A novel composite material, α-Zr(HPO4)2·1.5Lysine:0.06Eu3+ (designated ZLE), has been prepared through intercalation of L-lysine (Lys) molecules and Eu3+ ions into between the layers of α-Zr(HPO4)2 (α-ZrP). It is proposed that the ZLE material contains Eu complexes lying between adjacent layers of Lys molecules which are attached on the inner surface of α-ZrP, and the Eu3+ ions are coordinated by carboxyl groups of Lys molecules. The ZLE composite in combination with Al(i-Bu)3 and glycerin has been used as a catalyst for the copolymerization of propylene oxide (PO) and CO2, and the catalytic system exhibits performance superior to the previously reported Y(P204)3-Al(i-Bu)3-glycerin system.