Core‐Shell ZIF‐67@CeO 2 Nanosphere as Efficient Acid‐Base Catalyst for the Cycloaddition of CO 2 and Epoxides

Abstract Controllable deposition of nanosphere with zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) is an efficient method to achieve unique properties and create new types of multifunctional ZIF core–shell materials with enhanced properties. Core‐shell ZIF‐67@CeO 2 nanosphere was designed with ZIF‐67 nanoparticles as seed for the deposition of CeO 2 nanocrystals. The as‐prepared ZIF‐67@CeO 2 nanosphere can catalyze CO 2 cycloaddition reaction with significant activity. The synergistic acid‐base catalytic sites of ZIF‐67@CeO 2 nanosphere were investigated through TPD analysis. These sites can effectively coordinate and activate the substrate molecules, thereby enhancing catalytic efficiency for CO 2 cycloaddition reaction. The ZIF‐67@CeO 2 nanosphere showed almost 100.00 % conversion of styrene oxide and 100.00 % selectivity of desired cyclic carbonate (120 °C, 7.5 bar, and 8 h). In addition, ZIF‐67@CeO 2 showed a negligible decrease in the catalytic activity even after being reused for four cycles.