Layer-by-Layer (LbL) Surface Augmented Modification of Poly(Styrene/Divinylbenzene)High Internal Phase Emulsion for Carbon Dioxide Capture

In this study, we used amines electrolyte solution with layer-by-layer (LbL) technique to modify and increase the CO2 adsorption capacity of highly porous polymer from high internal phase emulsion template polymer. This perspective presents the extraordinary versatility of emulsion templating polymerization, which has emerged with the growing numbers of HIPE systems and modification. In this study, we used polyHIPE prepared from styrene (S) and divinylbenzene (DVB) with varying ratios; 80:20, 20:80, and 0:100 to improve the surface area, thermal properties, and mechanical properties of the materials. Furthermore, the surface of the polyHIPE was modified by LbL technique to increase the adsorption efficiency. This technique consisted of two main layers, the primary layer of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) and the secondary layer, which was the CO2 adsorbing layer, of polyethylene imine (PEI) or tetraethylene pentamine (TEPA). Poly(S/DVB)HIPE modified by PEI terminated as the secondary coating showed the highest CO2 adsorption capacity, with up to 42% (from 0.71 to 1.01 mmol/g). The amine-multilayered modified material still possessed an open cell structure, since the solution did not block the pore structure of the poly(S/DVB)HIPE and was suitable for being used as an adsorbent in adsorption technology.

Automated summary

In this study, amines electrolyte solution was used with layer-by-layer technique to modify highly porous polymer, increasing its CO2 adsorption capacity. By utilizing polyHIPE prepared from styrene and divinylbenzene with varying ratios and modifying the surface with LbL technique, improvements were made in surface area, thermal properties, and mechanical properties. The modified material showed the highest CO2 adsorption capacity with the use of PEI, maintaining an open cell structure suitable for adsorption technology.