Foam supported sulfonated polystyrene as a new acidic material for catalytic reactions

Polystyrene was grafted on carbon foam with a melted polypropylene film predeposited on the surface. Polystyrene was subsequently sulfonated by chlorosulfonic acid. The effect of the temperature, time of grafting and concentration of radical initiator was studied. The materials were characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, SEM analysis and ion exchange titration. The prepared foams possess a high acidity and stability of the coating. The prepared materials were tested in the fructose dehydration in a biphasic system in a rotating foam reactor. The activity and selectivity are similar to the conventional catalyst Amberlyst-15. The prepared materials offer advantages in catalyst separation and reusage.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights• Polystyrene was grafted on carbon foam with melted polypropylene film on surface. • Polystyrene was subsequently sulfonated by chlorosulfonic acid. • Foams were tested in fructose dehydration in biphasic system in rotating foam reactor. • The activity and selectivity similar to the conventional catalyst Amberlyst-15. • The prepared materials offer advantages in catalyst separation and reusage.