La-doped CeO2 nanoflowers catalysts for direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from CO2 and methanol

The catalytic direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO 2 and methanol is a crucial approach to utilizing CO 2 and producing high-value chemicals. However, the high stability of the CO 2 molecule imposes thermodynamic limitations on this reaction pathway, along with challenges related to insufficient catalyst activity and stability. Currently, solutions primarily focus on developing efficient catalyst. Herein, La-doped CeO 2 nanoflower catalysts (La x CeO 2 ) were synthesized via hydrothermal method. Characterization reveals that La doping optimizes the pore structure and enriched oxygen vacancies, thereby enhancing catalytic performance. Notably, La 0.1 CeO 2 exhibits the largest pore size and highest oxygen vacancy content, achieving a remarkable DMC productivity of 9.42 mmol/g under 140 °C, 4 MPa of CO 2 , and 3 h of reaction, surpassing pure CeO 2 nanoflowers. Based on experimental findings and in-situ diffuse infrared Fourier transform analysis, a plausible reaction pathway was proposed. This work underscores the potential of La x CeO 2 nanoflowers as efficient catalysts for sustainable CO 2 conversion to DMC.