Conversion of VOC-derived CO₂ into sustainable products with a natural magnetic alginate composite

In this study, we developed a sustainable nanocatalyst, AXFe, by functionalizing magnetite nanoparticles with an alginate-xanthine conjugate (AX). This hybrid material combines magnetite's adsorption and photocatalytic properties with the CO₂ fixation capabilities of alginate and xanthine. AXFe exhibited exceptional performance in the photocatalytic mineralization of toluene under simulated solar irradiation, achieving a 61.5 % conversion to CO₂. Furthermore, the catalyst facilitated efficient CO₂ fixation into cyclic carbonates, achieving high yields under mild conditions (70 °C, 1 atm CO₂). CO₂ adsorption studies revealed enhanced capture efficiency due to the synergistic interaction between AX and magnetite. The material also demonstrated excellent reusability, enabling magnetic recovery and maintaining over 90 % catalytic activity for four cycles. This straightforward synthesis from natural substrates and its versatility in tackling VOCs and CO₂ highlight AXFe as a promising tool for sustainable pollution mitigation and resource recovery. This dual-functionality catalysis significantly enhances the overall process efficiency while adhering to the core principles of green chemistry. By combining environmental sustainability with high performance, AXFe emerges as an up-and-coming candidate for mitigating environmental pollution through innovative and sustainable solutions.