A multifunctional carrier for composite ZnFe2O4: a catalyst for improved one-step diethyl carbonate synthesis from CO2 and ethanol

ZnFe2O4 was prepared for the synthesis of diethyl carbonate (DEC) via a one-step reaction of CO2 with ethanol. The DEC yield was improved surprisingly from 3.09% to 49.3% by linking a composite carrier to the catalyst. The mechanism underlying the improved yield is proposed, which involves acid-base active sites, as revealed by CO2-TPD, NH3-TPD and XRD analysis to fundamentally solve the current situation.