Support for carbon dioxide conversion

摘要

Scientists have designed an environmentally friendly catalyst that can convert carbon dioxide into useful intermediates for making batteries, plastics and drugs. Carbon dioxide has the potential to provide a vast and cheap source of carbon. Turning it into useful products would also reduce its environmental impact as a greenhouse gas. Scientists have shown that ionic liquids are selective catalysts for converting carbon dioxide into synthetic intermediates called cyclic carbonates, but it is difficult to separate and recycle the liquid catalyst.