Synthesis of cyclic carbonates by CO2 cycloaddition with epoxides: recent advances, challenges, and perspectives

The catalytic conversion of CO 2 into functionalized chemical products has evolved into a pivotal scientific frontier, garnering substantial research investment from multidisciplinary domains. Among diverse transformation pathways, the atomically economical cycloaddition between CO 2 and epoxides to synthesize cyclic carbonates stands out as a paradigm of sustainable synthesis, fully complying with green chemistry metrics and circular economy principles. These value-added cyclic carbonates serve as critical components in advanced energy storage systems ( e.g ., lithium-ion battery electrolytes), bioactive molecule synthesis, and specialty chemical production. This critical review systematically explores recent progress, technical barriers, and strategic directions within CO 2 cycloaddition research. The analysis commences with a mechanistic dissection of three predominant activation modes (CO 2 activation, epoxides activation and dual activation), subsequently conducting comparative assessments of catalytic systems spanning molecular complexes to heterogeneous frameworks. A techno-economic evaluation is then presented regarding reactor configurations, including batch processing, continuous flow systems, and microchannel technologies. Notably, the work emphasizes an urgent need for innovative catalytic materials capable of dual-functionality: selective adsorption of dilute CO 2 streams from industrial flue gases or ambient air under mild conditions (25 °C, 1 atm), coupled with in situ catalytic transformation into target carbonates without intermediate separation. The proposed research matrix establishes theoretical foundations and practical guidelines for developing next-generation carbon capture-utilization integrated technologies. • Mechanism Classification : Reviews three cycloaddition mechanisms (epoxide/CO 2 /dual activation), noting epoxide activation dominates conventional systems, while CO 2 activation prevails in photocatalysis. • Heterogeneous Catalysts : Highlights PILs as promising for combining ionic liquid efficiency with polymer stability, addressing separation challenges of homogeneous catalysts. • Reactor Optimization : Discusses shift from batch to microreactors, with fixed-bed designs improving heat/mass transfer. • Catalyst Design : Proposes strategies like FLP/FIP structures and hydrogen bond donors to reduce reaction barriers. • Industrial Impact : Bridges theory and practice by evaluating catalyst performance metrics and scalable reactor designs for sustainable CO 2 utilization.