Cu(I)-Functionalized N-Rich Covalent Triazine Framework for Integrated Capture and Conversion of CO2 from Dilute Gas into Bioactive 2-Oxazolidinones

Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) presents a promising approach for alleviating atmospheric CO₂ concentrations and yielding commodity products. In this direction, we have prepared a N-enriched and CO₂-philic pyridine-based covalent triazine framework (DCP-CTF), which is covalently anchored with Cu(I) to yield Cu(I)@DCP-CTF for effective CCU from dilute gas (15% CO₂) in the presence of ionic liquid (IL). Herein, the application of hydroxyl-functionalized IL facilitates carbon dioxide capture, and the presence of Cu(I)-embedded CTF catalyzes the transformation of the captured CO₂ into bioactive oxazolidinones. Indeed, the Cu(I) anchored CTF exhibited exceptional catalytic activity for the conversion of simulated dry flue gas (CO₂:N₂ = 15:85%) into oxazolidinones, which are valuable arbitrates in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals. Furthermore, Cu(I)@DCP-CTF exhibited significant CO₂-philicity, with an interaction enthalpy of 44.3 kJ/mol, attributed to the presence of adequate basic N-sites. The combined benefits of efficient CO₂ enrichment due to the ionic liquid and Cu(I) endowed DCP-CTF with exceptional catalytic performance and durability, positioning it as a highly promising system for sustainable CO₂ conversion under ambient conditions. Hence, this work presents a promising approach for an integrated process of selective capture and conversion of CO₂ for the production of renewable feedstocks for the chemical industry.