Bulk fabrication of porous organic framework polymers on flexible nanofibers and their application for water purification
Hangbo Yue
Guangdong University of Technology, China
: J Polym Sci Appl
Abstract
Porous organic framework polymers (POP) with tailored texture and functional properties present significant advantages for a wide range of applications. However, handling/processing of POP materials that are usually obtained in powder form remains a challenge. Herein, a facile approach by means of electrospinning and in situ polymerization is reported for the bulk creation of POP into a handleable monolithic structure. Specifically, POP polymer built from Sonogashira- Hagihara reaction of two rigid monomers, i.e. 1,3,5,7-tetrakis (1,3-bibromophyl) adamantane and 1,4-diethynylbenzene, are deposited on a flexible substrate of electro-spun poly(vinyl alcohol) silica PVASi fiber mat, leading to a robust POP/PVASi composite, e.g. thermally stable up to 305°C at 5% weight loss. The composite preserves the fiber's flexible network morphology, forms abundant pores on the fiber surface (specific surface area of 582 m2 g-1), and gains super-hydrophobic and oleophilic functionalities. Desirable applications of the composite in organic dye and oil adsorption for water purification with very high efficiency (above 98%) are demonstrated, thanks to its remarkable stability, porosity and functionality.