Straightforward synthesis of MTW-type magnesium silicalite for CO fixation with epoxides under mild conditions

• Published in: Catalysis science & technology Vol. 9; no. 2; pp. 5725 - 5735
• Main Authors: Wen, Haimeng, Xie, Jingyan, Zhou, Yang, Zhou, Yu, Wang, Jun
• Format: Journal Article
• Published: 14.10.2019
• ISSN: 2044-4753; 2044-4761
• DOI: 10.1039/c9cy01329f

Aluminum-free magnesium silicalite with MTW topology (Mg-Si-ZSM-12) was fabricated via a straightforward hydrothermal synthesis route involving an initial acid co-hydrolysis step. Mg incorporation endowed superior basic properties to the MTW framework, as illustrated by CO 2 sorption and temperature programmed desorption plus the activity in a typical basic reaction, Knoevenagel condensation. Mg-Si-ZSM-12 catalyzed the coupling of atmospheric CO 2 with epoxides and led to the efficient production of cyclic carbonates with high yield and selectivity at relatively low temperature (down to 60 °C). The present strategy afforded a zeolitic solid base with regular 12-membered ring microporous channels that has potential application in CO 2 fixation. Mg-Si-ZSM-12 was hydrothermally synthesized and effective for CO 2 fixation under mild conditions.