An efficient copper-based magnetic nanocatalyst for the fixation of carbon dioxide at atmospheric pressure

In the last few decades, the emission of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the environment has caused havoc across the globe. One of the most promising strategies for fixation of CO₂ is the cycloaddition reaction between epoxides and CO₂ to produce cyclic carbonates. For the first time, we have fabricated copper-based magnetic nanocatalyst and have applied for the CO₂ fixation. The prepared catalyst was thoroughly characterized using various techniques including XRD, FT-IR, TEM, FE-SEM, XPS, VSM, ICP-OES and elemental mapping. The reactions proceeded at atmospheric pressure, relatively lower temperature, short reaction time, solvent- less and organic halide free reaction conditions. Additionally, the ease of recovery through an external magnet, reusability of the catalyst and excellent yields of the obtained cyclic carbonates make the present protocol practical and sustainable.