| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46326 | Applied Catalysis B: Environmental | 2013 | 9 Pages |
Novel and efficient mesoporous polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) based solid strong acid (PDVB-SO3H-SO2CF3) has been successfully prepared by grafting of strong electron withdrawing group of SO2CF3 onto the network of performed mesoporous solid acid of PDVB-SO3H, which could be synthesized from sulfonation of superhydrophobic mesoporous PDVB or copolymerization of DVB with sodium p-styrene sulfonate. Characterizations of N2 sorption isotherms, TG curves and contact angle tests show that PDVB-SO3H-SO2CF3 has large Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, superior thermal stability, good hydrophobicity and oleophilicity. Solid 31P NMR spectra and NH3–TPD curves show that the Brønsted acidic site in PDVB-SO3H-SO2CF3 has been significantly enhanced and rather homogeneously distributed when compared with that of PDVB-SO3H. Catalytic tests show that PDVB-SO3H-SO2CF3 exhibits excellent catalytic activities and good recyclability in biomass transformation toward transesterification to biodiesel and depolymerization of crystalline cellulose to sugars when compared with those of PDVB-SO3H, solid strong acids of SO4/ZrO2 and Nafion NR50. The excellent catalytic activity and good recyclability of PDVB-SO3H-SO2CF3 result from its unique characters such as large surface area, ultra strong acid strength, adjustable hydrophobic–oleophilic and stable network.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Introduction of SO2CF3 group enhances acid strength of PDVB-SO3H. ► Abundant mesoporosity is favorable for the fast diffusion of reactants. ► Strong acid strength results in excellent catalytic activity for biomass transformation. ► Hydrophobic–oleophilic network results in high exposition degree of active sites. ► The stable network of mesoporous solid strong acid results in its good recyclability.
