Imidazole based ionic liquid grafted graphene for enhancing the new green conversion process of carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide (CO 2) has been recognized a renewable C1-level green chemical synthesis feedstock. Achieving 100 % atom utilization is possible through the cycloaddition reaction of CO 2 with epoxides. Ionic liquids are commonly used catalysts for this reaction, but conventional immobilization methods may lead to the loss of active components under severe conditions. Developing a new Ionic Liquid catalytic system offers a promising and eco-friendly approach to efficient CO 2 cycloaddition. In this study, imidazolium ionic liquid was chemically immobilized on graphene oxide (GO) to get a novelty catalyst GO-SmIm Br. The impact of catalyst dosage, temperature, pressure, and reaction time on the reaction performance of CO 2 and propylene oxide was systematically investigated in a batch reaction system, achieving a propylene carbonate yield of up to 90.4 % in the CO 2 cycloaddition reaction. Even after five cycles, the yield only decreased by 9.6 %, showcasing its robust catalytic activity. Further assessment in a fixed-bed reactor at 120 °C for 8 h demonstrated a continuous propylene carbonate yield of 55.6 %, highlighting the potential of GO-SmIm Br for efficient and sustainable CO 2 utilization. • GO-SmIm Br was employed for Efficient propylene carbonate synthesis from CO 2 and PO. • 40.5% grafting rate was achieved, highlighting the effectiveness of SmIm Br on GO. • Optimized conditions led to a 90.4% PC yield in batch reactors. • GO-SmIm Br demonstrates recyclability and robust thermal stability for multiple uses. • Yielded 55.6% PC over 8 h in continuous fixed-bed reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]