Catalytic conversion of CO2 and shale gas-derived substrates into saturated carbonates and derivatives: Catalyst design, performances and reaction mechanism

Simultaneous capture and transformation of CO2 from industrial effluents into value-added chemicals is considered as one of the most promising technologies for valorization of CO2 into renewable products. In this context, carboxylation of industrial intermediates such as epoxides, alcohols and polyols into organic carbonates has been the focus of extensive research efforts, as it provides novel synthetic routes for essential products for human society. However, selective CO2 conversion to carbonates under mild conditions still remains a grand challenge. In this perspective, we present the key strategies for rational design of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic materials with comprehensive and critical discussion on catalyst synthesis, structures and plausible reaction mechanisms based on the work in the past 5 years. The aim of this review is to provide general guidance on catalyst design for selective C=O bond activation in CO2 molecules at atomic level.