Atomic zinc dispersed on graphene synthesized for active CO2 fixation to cyclic carbonates

CO2 fixation to cyclic carbonates is important but depends on the catalyst. Here, atomic zinc (1.62 at%) dispersed on graphene was synthesized as a high-performance heterocatalyst for the cycloaddition reaction of epoxides and CO2. High yield (99%) and high selectivity (98%) of propylene carbonate with a TOF of 2889 h−1 were achieved. [ZnN3.76±0.2] was the active site, which was proved by advanced characterization, including synchrotron XANES, EXAFS and XPS and comparative performance tests.