Advancing CO₂ conversion: integrated use of dual active catalytic sites in flexible, porous polymeric porphyrin and ionic liquid composite networks

The development of highly efficient, multifunctional catalysts featuring cooperative active sites is a complex yet vital endeavor. This study introduces an innovative approach through in situ polymerization, where flexible, cross-linked ionic polymers are synthesized within the channels of flexible, porous polymeric porphyrins. This process yields a series of interwoven frameworks endowed with dual catalytic active sites. The uniqueness of these catalysts lies in the synergistic interaction between metalated porphyrins and ionic components, greatly boosting their catalytic efficiency in the cycloaddition of CO₂ and epoxides. The bifunctional catalysts not only surpass the individual constituents in performance but also demonstrate a significant superiority over their physical mixture. The structural flexibility and high density of active sites in these catalysts enable synergistic effects, leading to exceptional catalytic performance. This research marks a substantial leap in catalyst design, introducing a novel method for crafting bifunctional catalysts with dual-activation capabilities.