Visible-light promoted chemical fixation of carbon dioxide with epoxide into cyclic carbonates over S-scheme CdS–CeO₂ photocatalyst

Generally, cyclic carbonates were produced from the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide (CO₂) with epoxides over supported nanoparticles at high temperature and pressure conditions. Reducing the reaction temperature and using renewable energy sources would be highly beneficial in the sustainable production of cyclic carbonates from waste CO₂. This work introduces efficient and effective production of cyclic carbonates from CO₂ and epoxides over supported CeO₂ nanoparticles under visible light conditions. The highest yield and selectivity were 96% and 99%, respectively, achieved in the polar protic solvent that diminished the energy barrier of the reaction. The basic surface sites at CeO₂ adsorbed a high amount of CO₂, favouring the corresponding cyclic carbonates’ high yields within a short span. Additionally, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques characterized the nanocomposites fabricated.