Functionalized metal–organic precursors derived CeO2 for catalytic synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from CO2 and methanol

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) was synthesized using CO 2 and methanol by different CeO 2 catalysts obtained from functionalized metal–organic precursors. CeO 2 produced from 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTC) exhibits the greatest catalytic activity. The results of catalyst characterization manifested that the content of oxygen vacancy and Ce 3+ on the surface of the CeO 2 catalysts is affected by different organic ligand. At the same time, the content of Ce 3+ is positively correlated with Hammett’s values. The high catalytic activity of CeO 2 -BTC is due to the highest oxygen vacancy and Ce 3+ content. The solvothermal time and calcination temperature had great influence on the catalytic properties of the CeO 2 catalysts.