Emerging trends in mesoporous silica nanoparticle-based catalysts for CO2 utilization reactions

Abstract

Numerous environmental catastrophes are brought on by the presence of a large amount of CO₂ in the environment, which must be appropriately regulated from stationary point sources by efficient carbon capture and its successive conversion into useful chemicals. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are a type of silica material with pore sizes of 2–50 nm, high surface areas, and large pore volumes. These characteristics make MSNs suitable support materials for heterogeneous catalysis. In this review, we describe the functionalization of MSNs, the synthesis of MSN-based catalysts, and their potential uses in CO₂ fixation reactions. We highlight the design of an ideal CO₂ fixation catalyst, the addition of various functionalities to MSNs, and the use of MSN-based catalysts in various CO₂ fixation reactions, with a discussion of the effects of controlling particle size distribution, active species dispersion, and interactions between active species and supports. Furthermore, this review provides a synopsis of the key issues in the area, present dynamics, and crucial barriers to the development of MSN-based catalysts, and subsequent research goals, along with viable solutions for realizing the implementation of MSNs in CO₂ fixation reactions.