Insight into synergistic catalysis of core‐shell ZIF‐8@In2O3 hollow nanocomposite for efficient atmospheric CO2 fixation

Abstract The advancement of heterogeneous catalysts with enhanced catalytic activity and structural stability for atmospheric CO 2 conversion remains a critical challenge. In this study, innovative core‐shell ZIF‐8@In 2 O 3 hollow nanocomposites were fabricated via an in situ self‐assembly strategy for catalyzing CO 2 ‐epoxide cycloaddition to produce cyclic carbonates. The structures and catalytic performances of ZIF‐8@In 2 O 3 with varying compositions were comprehensively evaluated. The results demonstrate that ZIF‐8@In 2 O 3 ‐1.5, possessing an optimal composition, exhibits a high specific surface area, multiple exposed Lewis acidic/basic sites, and effectively catalyzes the reaction between atmospheric CO 2 and epichlorohydrin to synthesize chloropropene carbonate, achieving yields as high as 95% and selectivity up to 99%. Furthermore, the ZIF‐8@In 2 O 3 ‐1.5 catalyst displays broad substrate versatility and remarkable structural stability, with no significant reduction in product yield after five recycling cycles. Combining in situ FT‐IR analyses with DFT calculations, the interactions between distinct active sites and reactants were thoroughly investigated, elucidating the reaction mechanism involving multi‐site synergistic catalysis.