Coordination-induced CO2 fixation into carbonate by metal oxides

Abstract

Here, we have investigated how coordination induces CO₂ fixation into a carbonate using a cationic yttrium oxide model catalyst. The infrared spectra show that the first three CO₂ molecules are weakly bound to the metal. Subsequent coordination of CO₂ ligands leads to the formation of a carbonate complex and results in a core ion transition. The conversion of Y = O and CO₂ to carbonate is achieved by the donation of electrons from the ligands to the metal. Systematic analyses of the effects of different ligands and metals on the coordination-induced CO₂ fixation demonstrate that the present system serves as an efficient and rational model for adjusting CO₂ fixation and CO₂ emission.