Poly{tris[4-(2-thienyl)phenyl]amine} and poly[tris(4-carbazoyl-9-yl phenyl)amine] conjugated microporous polymers as absorbents for highly efficient iodine adsorption

Poly{tris[4-(2-thienyl)phenyl]amine} (PTPATTh) and poly[tris(4-carbazoyl-9-yl phenyl)amine] (PTPATCz) are thiophene-based and carbazole-based conjugated microporous polymers with triphenylamine as cores. Here we present detailed evidence of highly efficient and iodine capture in both CMPs. Thanks to the propeller-like structure, high porosity, extended pi-conjugation and electron-rich characteristics, the both CMPs display efficient, adsorption of I-2 in vapor (up to 3.13 and 2.56 g g(-1)) and in solution. Two ways to release the adsorbed iodine were explored: either slow release into ethanol or quick release upon heating (with a high degree of control). In addition, the both CMPs could be recycled while maintaining 70% iodine uptake capacity (up to 85%). Thus making the resulting CMPs ideal absorbent materials for iodine capture to address environmental issues.