Catalysts and methods for making cyclic carbonates

A method of making a catalyst, the method comprising:

• incubating a first mixture comprising at least one polymer quaternary ammonium salt, at least one metal halide and a solvent;
• adding silica gel to the first mixture to form a second mixture;
• incubating the second mixture;
• and
• removing the solvent from the second mixture to obtain the catalyst.

A method of making cyclic carbonate, the method comprising:

• providing a catalyst, comprising:
• at least one polymer quaternary ammonium salt;
• at least one metal halide;
• and
• silica gel;
• forming a mixture comprising the catalyst and an epoxide;
• and
• contacting the mixture with carbon dioxide in a reactor under conditions to form the cyclic carbonate.