Micro/nanostructured ZIF-8/CeO2 composite as an efficient catalyst for the cycloaddition of CO2

For the effective utilization of carbon resources, a facile and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst system with high reactivity and stability is urgently needed for chemical fixation of CO2. Herein, a micro/nanostructured ZIF-8/CeO2 composite was designed by direct surface-nucleated ZIF-8 nanoparticles on spindle-like CeO2. The ZIF-8 nanoparticles content of the ZIF-8/CeO2 composite could be tuned by the changing of reaction parameters, such as the molar ratio of reactants and the reaction time. The ZIF-8/CeO2 composite exhibits remarkably enhanced catalytic activity and superior reusability for cycloaddition reaction of CO2 and epoxide than its pure substance. The enhanced performance of ZIF-8/CeO2 composite should be attributed to its high specific surface area and abundant porosity, outstanding thermal stability, and the appearance of a new moderate acid/base site in composite material. Considering the convenient preparation, enhanced catalytic activity and excellent reusability of ZIF-8/CeO2 composite, this work offers a new strategy to replace ZIFs-based porous catalysts for chemical fixation of CO2.