Extraordinary capability for water treatment achieved by a perfluorous conjugated microporous polymer

Sci Rep. 2015 May 14:5:10155. doi: 10.1038/srep10155.

Abstract

Oils, organic solvents, dyes, and heavy metal ions are primary pollutants in water resources. Currently, no sorbent material can effectively remove these types of pollutants simultaneously. Here we report a perfluorous conjugated microporous polymer with superhydrophobicity and a large surface area, which exhibits outstanding adsorption capacities, kinetics, and recyclability for a wide range of organic solvents, oils, dyes, and heavy metal ions. The adsorption capacities of this polymer, 1376.7 mg g(-1) for Congo red, 808.2 mg g(-1) for Pb(II) and 303.2 mg g(-1) for As(V), are higher than the adsorption capacities of any previously described porous materials. Our theoretical calculation reveals that the superior properties of this polymer are due to fluorination and triple bonds within the polymer. A benchmark experiment indicates that this polymer can efficiently remove these pollutants simultaneously. Application of this polymer may lead to the development of next-generation reusable and portable water purification appliances.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't