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Updated: Aug 17, 2025

Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Published on: April 10, 2018
Functionalization of nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot: A sustainable carbon-based catalyst for the production of
Zahra Eshaghi Gorji1, Abbas Ali Khodadadi2, Siavash Riahi3
1Catalysis and Nanostructured Materials Research Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417614411, Iran; Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
Abstract:
A series of organic compounds were successfully immobilized on an N-doped graphene quantum dot (N-GQD) to prepare a multifunctional organocatalyst for coupling reaction between CO2 and propylene oxide (PO). The simultaneous presence of halide ions in conjunction with acidic- and basic-functional groups on the surface of the nanoparticles makes them highly active for the production of propylene carbonate (PC). The effects of variables such as catalyst loading, reaction temperature, and structure of substituents are discussed. The proposed catalysts were characterized by different techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (FESEM/EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Under optimal reaction conditions, 3-bromopropionic acid (BPA) immobilized on N-GQD showed a remarkable activity, affording the highest yield of 98% at 140°C and 106 Pa without any co-catalyst or solvent. These new metal-free catalysts have the advantage of easy separation and reuse several times. Based on the experimental data, a plausible reaction mechanism is suggested, where the hydrogen bonding donors and halogen ion can activate the epoxide, and amine functional groups play a vital role in CO2 adsorption.
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