Synthesis of novel hyper-cross-linked polymers as adsorbent for removing organic pollutants from humid streams

A new kind of hydrophobic hyper-cross-linked polymers (HCPs) with high surface area, large pore volume, and controllable average pore size was prepared. The synthesized HCP-0.5 sample, having the biggest BET specific surface area (1394 m2/g), pore volume (1.55 m3/g) and micro-mesopore structure (average pore diameter of 4.4 nm), was used as a novel adsorbent for removing benzene. The results of the static adsorption/desorption experiment at 298, 308 and 318 K showed that HCP-0.5 has a very large adsorption capability of 19.16 mmol g−1 at 298 K for benzene. Dynamic adsorption experiments of benzene on HCP-0.5 under dry and humid condition (RH = 80%) revealed that the existence of water vapor had little effect on dynamic adsorption capacity of benzene on HCP-0.5 and almost did not change the breakthrough time. Therefore, these synthesized polymers can be used as efficient and competitive adsorbents for removing VOCs, especially under humid conditions.