A CO2-philic ferrocene-based porous organic polymer for solar-driven CO2 conversion from flue gas

Conversion of CO2 to high value chemicals from diluted CO2 flue gas is challenging but attractive in reducing CO2 emission. Herein, CO2-philic ferrocene-based porous organic polymers (Fc-POPs) are designed and demonstrate outstanding catalytic activity and recyclability for CO2 cycloaddition under solar irradiation. The yield of cyclic carbonate reaches 94.7% in pure CO2 (0.3 W cm(-2)), while the productivity is around 93% in diluted CO2 (15 vol%, 0.4 W cm(-2)). Notably, the functional groups enable Fc-POPs to possess high-efficiency photothermal adsorption and outstanding affinity for CO2 at low pressure (0.15 bar, 5.38 wt%) at room temperature. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the Lewis acid-base synergistic effect and intramolecular interaction reduce the energy barrier, synergistically promoting catalytic activities. In terms of the excellent catalytic performance, Fc-POPs are regarded as promising candidates for efficient fixation and conversion of flue gas.