Straightforward synthesis of multifunctional porous polymer nanomaterials for CO2 capture and removal of contaminants

Abstract

Wastewater and increasing atmospheric CO₂ levels are two major environmental challenges that pose a threat to human life. We report a straightforward preparation of functional mesoporous polymer nanomaterials bearing pendant –CH₂NMe₃⁺X⁻ (X = Cl, OH) functionalities, suitable for efficient contaminant removal and CO₂ capture applications. The synthesis strategy involves (a) surface confined-atom transfer radical copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate and 4-vinylbenzyl chloride from tertiary bromide-functionalized mesoporous silica nanomaterials, (b) etching of the silica template and (c) post-polymerization modification to introduce a –CH₂NMe₃⁺OH⁻ functionality in the porous polymer. Detailed kinetic investigation of the polymerization established its controlled nature. The CO₂ adsorption capability can be tuned by controlling the amount of –CH₂NMe₃⁺OH⁻ functionality in the functional polymer. This work indicates a new design direction towards advanced materials for CO₂ capture and wastewater treatment.