Metal-organic frameworks as heterogeneous catalysts for CO2 cycloaddition: A promising strategy for CO2 mitigation and utilization

CO 2 is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, ocean acidification , and acid rain. Capturing CO 2 and converting it into value-added chemicals and fuels could reduce atmospheric CO 2 levels. A promising CO 2 conversion route is the cycloaddition (CA) reaction with epoxides to produce cyclic carbonates, which have commercial applications. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show promise as CO 2 -epoxide CA catalysts due to features like high surface area , porosity for mass transfer, and tunable acidic/basic sites. MOFs with dual Lewis acid/base sites act as bifunctional CA catalysts by activating the epoxide and inserting CO 2 . The typical Lewis acid sites can act as OMSs (Open metal sites) that have the ability to adsorb and activate the reactant molecules, making it easy to promote charge transfer during the conversion of reactant into products. This review examines porous MOFs using transition metals , lanthanides , and alkaline earth metals as central metal atoms. Catalytic activity depends on metal acidity, defect engineering, and the presence of dual metal sites. According to the literature, the rational design of MOFs allows for the successful catalytic conversion of CO 2 into value-added cyclic carbonates. • CO 2 capture and utilization as C1 feedstock can mitigate atmospheric CO 2 levels. • Cycloaddition of CO 2 with epoxides produces industrially valuable cyclic carbonates. • MOFs are promising cycloaddition catalysts owing to their high surface area and tunable pore size. • MOFs containing Lewis acidic and basic sites serve as bifunctional catalysts for CO 2 cycloaddition. • Key factors influencing MOF catalytic activity like metal acidity, defect engineering, and dual metal sites.