Metal-organic frameworks for the energy-related conversion of CO₂ into cyclic carbonates

Excessive emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere result in a series of energy and environmental issues all around the word. Thus, it is urgent to prepare efficient materials for the conversion of CO₂ as a C1 source into energy-related chemical products. Porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of rapidly growing crystalline materials, which have attracted significant attention for application in the conversion of CO₂ into cyclic carbonates. In this review article, the developments made in recent years with respect to the application of MOFs as heterogeneous catalysts for the energy-related conversion of CO₂ into cyclic carbonates are highlighted; moreover, we have further discussed the opportunities and challenges in the use of MOFs in this field.