Bimetallic MOFs-Derived Cu–Cu2O–MgO/C Nanocomposites as Efficient and Stable Catalysts for the Cycloaddition of CO2 With Epoxides

The chemical fixation of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into value-added cyclic carbonates is a promising pathway for carbon utilization; however, developing heterogeneous catalysts with high activity and stability remains a challenge. In this study, a Cu–Mg-MOF-74 precursor was synthesized via a solvothermal method and subsequently transformed into a Cu–Cu 2 O–MgO/C nanocomposite catalyst through a one-step pyrolysis process under N 2 atmosphere at 550°C. The pyrolysis process leads to the collapse of the MOF crystal structure and the formation of highly dispersed Cu–Cu 2 O–MgO nanoparticles embedded in a carbon matrix, while the overall morphology inherited from the MOF precursor remains largely preserved. Detailed characterization (XRD, XPS, TEM, BET, and in situ DRIFTS) reveals that the catalyst possesses a high specific surface area (296.7 m 2 ·g −1 ), abundant Lewis acid sites (Cu, Cu 2 O, and MgO), and surface oxygen-containing groups, which synergistically enhance catalytic performance. Under relatively moderate conditions (90°C, 0.7 MPa, CO 2 , 7 h), the Cu–Cu 2 O–MgO/C catalyst achieved a styrene oxide conversion of 94% with 99% selectivity, significantly outperforming its monometallic and physical mixture counterparts. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrated excellent substrate versatility and robust recyclability over five consecutive runs without structural collapse. This work provides a facile strategy for fabricating robust MOF-derived carbon-based catalysts for sustainable CO 2 conversion.