Synthesis and reactivity of Nb/graphene-MCM-48 and Al/graphene-MCM-48 IN CO2 chemical fixation

Mesoporous materials such as the Mobil Composition of Matter (MCM), play a crucial role in the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide (CO2). These materials exhibit a porous structure with intermediate-sized pores, providing a high surface area and a uniform pore distribution. The objective of this study is to synthesize the mesoporous material MCM-48 using the ionic solid chloride of 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium ([C16MI]Cl) as a directing agent and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as a silica precursor and apply this material as a catalyst in the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 to propylene oxide to produce propylene carbonate. Compounds such as graphene, aluminum, and niobium are employed in different Si/compound molar ratios (1, 5, and 10) to enhance the material properties. The Nb/Graphene-MCM-48 material with a Si/Nb ratio of 10 demonstrated the best catalytic performance in the CO2 cycloaddition, achieving a yield of 85 % and a selectivity of 99 % for propylene carbonate. The results demonstrate that MCMs are highly efficient in the selective conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonate, offering promising applications for CO2 emission mitigation. This study advances decarbonization and sustainable development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 15 (Life on Land) by promoting technologies that reduce environmental impact and support sustainable industrial practices. •MCM-48 play a crucial role in CO2 fixation thanks to their extensive surface area and evenly distributed pores.•This study synthesizes MCM-48 using [C16MI]Cl and TEOS to fix CO2 with propylene oxide.•Graphene, aluminum and niobium are added in various ratios to enhance the material.•The Nb/Graphene-MCM-48 with Si/Nb ratio 10 achieves 85 % yield and 99 % selectivity for propylene carbonate.•These results suggest MCM-48 potential in CO2 emission reduction by converting it into cyclic carbonate.