Engineering active sites and recognizing mechanisms for CO2 fixation to dimethyl carbonate

Abstract

The direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO₂ possesses both theoretical and practical value, deserving attention in the pursuit of minimizing CO₂ emissions and securing carbon neutrality. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the chemical fixing of CO₂ into DMC, including the advantages and disadvantages of various catalytic routes, and the design of active sites, such as Lewis acid-base sites, for promoted activity and selectivity. We also highlight the disclosure of catalytic processes by in situ characterization and theoretical studies and discuss the structure–activity correlations of catalysts. We end this review with an outlook on the future challenges and opportunities in CO₂ chemical fixation into DMC.