Synthesis of new DFNS/ZnTiO3 nanoparticles as a nanocatalyst for the reaction of quinazoline-2, 4(1H, 3H)-dione with CO2

The conversion of CO2 into valuable materials through multicomponent reactions in the presence of nanocatalysts with high surface area and suitable efficiency has garnered significant attention. Herein, this study is focused on the synthesis and catalytic activity of DFNS-supported zinc titanate nanoparticles for the conversion of CO₂ into quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione derivatives. ZnTiO₃ was prepared by a sol-gel process, presenting a novel dandelion-like morphology that allows a significant increase in the surface area and catalytic activity. Detailed characterizations such as EDX for elemental composition, XRD for crystallinity, TEM and SEM for morphology, TGA for thermal stability, and FT-IR for bonding characteristics confirmed the excellent integration of ZnTiO₃ into the DFNS. Under optimized conditions, our catalytic protocol achieved a maximum yield of 92% at 70 °C over 3 h in DMF solvent. Systematic optimization of reaction parameters such as solvent type and nanocatalyst loading showed the remarkable efficiency of this nanocatalyst under mild conditions, hence proving to be a strong alternative in the practices of green synthesis. Further tests for heterogeneity confirmed the effective operation of DFNS/ZnTiO₃ as an enduring heterogeneous nanocatalyst, recyclability tests showing an 87% efficiency retention after ten cycles. These findings confirm the economic and ecological viability of the nanocatalyst; hence, DFNS/ZnTiO₃ represents a versatile platform toward the advancement of CO₂ conversion technologies into valued chemical precursors.