Mesoporous knitted inverse vulcanised polymers

Abstract

Elemental sulfur is generated in large quantities when crude oil is refined. This elemental sulfur has limited use other than the production of sulfuric acid. Recently, the development of ‘inverse vulcanised’ polymers has attracted the attention of researchers. These polymers are formed from elemental sulfur and a small molecule alkene. The affinity of sulfur for heavy metals gives these polymers potential for specific adsorption; however, there is a lack of incorporation of high specific surface areas in pure polymers. Herein, we report the first mesoporous polymer generated using inverse vulcanised polymers, with a BET surface area of 236.04 m² g⁻¹. We explore the properties of polymers as an absorption medium for potent neurotoxin Hg(II).