Catalytic oxidation of sulphide ions using a novel microporous cobalt phthalocyanine network polymer in aqueous solution

A novel microporous cobalt phthalocyanine network polymer (CoPc-PIM1), prepared by the Pc-forming reaction from a rigid and nonplanar bisphthalonitrile, exhibits high surface area (650 m2/g) with high concentration of subnanometer pores (0.6–0.7 nm). High resolution transmission electron microscopic image shows microporous structure with nanoscale voids. This material shows pronounced efficiency for desulphurisation of salt water by catalyzing the oxidation of sulphide ions with aerobic oxygen. The reaction product includes mainly elemental sulphur which poisons the catalyst. The catalyst efficiency was easily regenerated, and found to be equivalent to the fresh catalyst for several cycles.