Catalytic Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate from CO2 and Methanol with Rare Earth metals doped CeO2 nano-flowers

Background

As an effective approach to the control and utilization of CO₂, the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO₂ and methanol has received widespread attention, while efficient catalysis is extremely crucial for this process.

Methods

CeO₂ based nano-flowers (M-CeO₂-NF) doped with rare earth metals (M=La, Pr, or Nd) was prepared by hydrothermally assisted coprecipitation method. The roles of rare earth metal doping on properties and catalytic performance were investigated. The interactions between the doped metals and CeO₂ and the mechanism of the catalytic process are further revealed.

Significant Findings

Rare earth metal doping (1 % molar content) can adjust the specific surface area, pore structure, and surface oxygen vacancy properties without changing the nanoflower structure of the catalysts, thereby influencing their catalytic performance. The NdCeO₂ NF exhibited the highest content of oxygen vacancy and presented the superior DMC productivity of 9.58 mmol·g-1 cat., improved by 32 % compared with pure CeO₂-NF. Additionally, the NdCeO₂-NF catalyst also show considerable reusability. A possible reaction pathway was proposed based on the in-situ infrared characterization and the experimental results of the catalytic reaction.