A novel composite material, alpha-Zr(HPO4)(2) . 1.5Lysine: 0.06Eu(3+) (designated ZLE), has been prepared through intercalation of L-lysine (Lys) molecules and Eu3+ ions into between the layers of alpha-Zr(HPO4)(2) (alpha- ZrP). It is proposed that the ZLE material contains Eu complexes lying between adjacent layers of Lys molecules which are attached on the inner surface of alpha-ZrP, and the Eu3+ ions are coordinated by carboxyl groups of Lys molecules. The ZLE composite in combination with Al(i-Bu)(3) and glycerin has been used as a catalyst for the copolymerization of propylene oxide (PO) and CO2, and the catalytic system exhibits performance superior to the previously reported Y(P-204)(3)-Al(i-Bu)(3)-glycerin system.