Sulfonic groups functionalized preoxidated polyacrylonitrile nanofibers and its catalytic applications

A SO3H-bearing nanofiber mat was synthesized and investigated as a novel heterogeneous acid catalyst. Preoxidated polyacrylonitrile nanofiber mat was prepared via electrospinning and heat treatment, and then reacted with chlorosulfuric acid to introduce the sulfonic groups. The nanofiber mat owned high acidity of 2.99 mmol/g. The preoxidation and sulfonation were examined by FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). The fiber morphologies were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The catalytic activities and reuse of the prepared nanofiber mat solid acid catalyst have been evaluated for the acetalization and esterification. The regular fiber mat structure could significantly facilitate the recovery and reuse of the catalyst. The excellent catalytic performance and easy recycling made the novel fiber mat solid acid hold great potential for the green chemical processes.

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► Nanoporous preoxidated polyacrylonitrile nanofiber mat was prepared by electrospinning and preoxidation.
► The preoxidated nanofiber mat was used to immobilize sulfonic groups via sulfonation.
► The morphologies of the nanofiber mats were examined by SEM images.
► The catalytic activities and reuse of the novel catalyst were examined for acetalization and esterification.
► The fiber structure could facilitate the recover and reuse of the solid acid catalyst.