Poly(alkoxysilane) reusable organogels for removal of oil/organic solvents from water surface

Novel poly(alkoxysilane)s with high oil and organic solvent absorbencies were prepared by a bulk polymerization technique via the condensation of 1,3-benzenedimethanol with different lengths of alkoxysilanes at 160 °C without using a catalyst. The influence of the length of the alkoxysilane on the polymer properties and swelling ratios was investigated. Swelling experiments in various solvents indicated that these cross-linked poly(alkoxysilane)s can be used as absorbents for oils and oil-derived organic solvents. The swelling features of the poly(alkoxysilane)s were determined by solvent absorption tests, swelling kinetics experiments, and desorption kinetics measurements. The absorption capacities of the poly(alkoxysilane)s were 50-725% for various organic solvents and oil derivatives such as gasoline and diesel. The structural and thermal properties of the cross-linked poly(alkoxysilane) polymers were determined by FTIR, solid-state 13C and 29Si cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CP-MAS) NMR, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA).