Cycloaddition of CO2 and epoxide catalyzed by amino- and hydroxyl-rich graphitic carbon nitride

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) shows great application potential in the activation of CO₂ due to its basic surface functionalities and highly specific electronic properties. Herein, to improve its catalytic performance, g-C₃N₄ was activated by protonation using H₂SO₄. The texture, surface chemistry and electronic properties of the as-prepared g-C₃N₄ were then studied. The synthesis of cyclic carbonate from the cycloaddition of CO₂ and epoxide was selected as a model reaction to investigate the catalytic performance. The protonated g-C₃N₄ exhibited a much higher catalytic activity than the pristine g-C₃N₄. The generation of terminal amino and hydroxyl groups due to the hydrolysis of g-C₃N₄ under acidic conditions as well as the higher specific surface area are responsible for the enhanced catalytic performance.