A novel Zn-based-MOF for efficient CO2 adsorption and conversion under mild conditions

A novel Zn-based-MOF material, called Zn-URJC-8, containing two different organic linkers, 2-aminoterephtallic acid and 4,4-bipyridyl, has been synthetized and used for catalytic purposes for the first time. The structure of Zn-URJC-8 has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) showing -NH2 groups inward-facing of narrow pores, providing the material with excellent properties as CO2 adsorbent. The good results obtained by means of carbon dioxide adsorption isotherms have demonstrated the high interaction between CO2 and -NH2 groups with a Qst value of 54 kJ/mol at low coverage. The Zn-URJC-8 material also display promising results as catalyst for CO2 transformation in added value products. Almost complete conversion of epichlorohydrin and CO2 in cycloaddition reaction has been achieved under mild conditions, and the influence of different radical groups coordinated to the epoxides has been evaluated on the reaction yield. The recyclability has been also tested and the structural integrity of the catalyst is maintained after several consecutive reaction cycles.