Polymeric Ionic Liquid Grafted on Silica for Efficient Conversion of CO2 into Cyclic Carbonates

On the basis of efficient and recyclable criteria for catalytic conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates, functionalized polymeric ionic liquids grafted onto the silica (PIL@SiO2) are explored by the polymeric method herein. Among all the prepared PIL@SiO2, the PIL@SiO2 loaded with a high mass fraction (50%) of PIL is the best in catalytic activity, achieving 91% PO conversion, nearly 50% saved than the non-grafted PIL. In addition, the PIL@SiO2 exhibits higher performance than PILs under identical reaction conditions. Subsequent studies concerning recyclability confirm that the as-prepared catalyst is stable after 5 times recycle without obvious loss in activity. This grafting and polymerization process provides an efficient and sustainable way of CO2 conversion in the long term.