The Application of Biomass-Based Catalytic Materials in the Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from CO(2) and Epoxides

The synthesis of cyclic carbonates from carbon dioxide (CO(2)) and epoxides is a 100% atom economical reaction and an attractive pathway for CO(2) utilisation. Because CO(2) is a thermodynamically stable molecule, the use of catalysts is mandatory in reducing the activation energy of the CO(2) conversion. Considering environmental compatibility and the high-efficiency catalytic conversion of CO(2), there is the strong need to develop green catalysts. Biomass-based catalysts, a type of renewable resource, have attracted considerable attention due to their unique properties—non-toxic, low-cost, pollution-free, etc. In this review, recent advances in the development of biomass-based catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates by CO(2) and epoxides coupling are summarized and discussed in detail. The effect of biomass-based catalysts, functional groups, reaction conditions, and co-catalysts on the catalytic efficiency and selectivity of synthesizing cyclic carbonates process is discussed. We intend to provide a comprehensive understanding of recent experimental and theoretical progress of CO(2) and epoxides coupling reaction and pave the way for both CO(2) conversion and biomass unitization.