Hierarchically porous CexZr1−xO2 materials prepared by solvent volatilization for highly efficient synthesis of DMC from CO2 and methanol

Hierarchically porous CexZr1−xO2 materials were prepared using a simple and scalable method of solvent volatilization and used in the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO2 and methanol. The effect of cerium sources and the Zr-doping amount on the textural properties of the synthesized CexZr1−xO2 materials was investigated in detail. The characterization results indicated that the sample Ce0.9Zr0.1O2 had the largest specific surface area (152.1 m2 g−1) and the highest oxygen vacancy concentration (34%) and displayed the highest catalytic activity with a DMC yield of 257.14 mmol g−1. Zr-doping plays a key role in improving the catalytic properties and stability of the synthesized catalyst.