Title: "Porous materials for the utilization of carbon dioxide"

Prof. Frédéric-Georges Fontaine, Canada Research Chair in Green Catalysis and Metal-Free Processes, Department of Chemistry, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada

Abstract:
The increase in atmospheric CO2 and its impact on climate change has led to a surge of technologies for its capture and utilisation. Whereas several generations of catalysts are known to transform CO2 in useful chemicals, many of these processes require operating conditions that are not optimal for industrial use. We have been investigating the use of porous materials such as mesoporous silica and metal-organic frameworks for the formation of cyclic carbonates at ambient pressure without the presence of additives or solvents. By playing on the material morphology and by grafting main group catalysts in the structure, we were able to develop efficient catalysts for the activation of CO2. This presentation will explain the strategies used to optimize catalysts for potential industrial use.