Synthesis and reactivity of Nb/graphene-MCM-48 and Al/graphene-MCM-48 IN CO2 chemical fixation

Abstract

Mesoporous materials such as the Mobil Composition of Matter (MCM), play a crucial role in the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide (CO₂). These materials exhibit a porous structure with intermediate-sized pores, providing a high surface area and a uniform pore distribution. The objective of this study is to synthesize the mesoporous material MCM-48 using the ionic solid chloride of 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium ([C16MI]Cl) as a directing agent and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as a silica precursor and apply this material as a catalyst in the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 to propylene oxide to produce propylene carbonate. Compounds such as graphene, aluminum, and niobium are employed in different Si/compound molar ratios (1, 5, and 10) to enhance the material properties. The Nb/Graphene-MCM-48 material with a Si/Nb ratio of 10 demonstrated the best catalytic performance in the CO₂ cycloaddition, achieving a yield of 85 % and a selectivity of 99 % for propylene carbonate. The results demonstrate that MCMs are highly efficient in the selective conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonate, offering promising applications for CO₂ emission mitigation. This study advances decarbonization and sustainable development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 15 (Life on Land) by promoting technologies that reduce environmental impact and support sustainable industrial practices.