Hexagonal Cages and Lewis Acid–Base Sites in a Metal–Organic Framework for Synergistic CO₂ Capture and Conversion under Mild Conditions

Abstract

The cycloaddition reaction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a highly economic solution to becoming carbon-neutral. Herein, we have designed and synthesized a robust zinc(II)-organic framework (Zn-Ade-TCPE) by a function-directed strategy. Zn-Ade-TCPE possesses uncommon hexagonal cages with Lewis acid-base bifunctional sites and displays a high adsorption capacity for CO₂. At room temperature and atmospheric pressure, Zn-Ade-TCPE exhibits outstanding activity, selectivity, and recyclability in the cycloaddition reaction of epoxides with CO₂ because of the synergistic effect of multiple active sites and confined cavities.