SYNTHESIS OF MESOPOROUS POLY-MELAMINE-FORMALDEHYDE AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN GREEN TECHNOLOGIES AND CATALYSIS

Abstract

In this thesis, the design and synthesis of a new porous organic polymer, mesoporous poly-melamine-formaldehyde (PMF), were described. Applications of mesoporous PMF in green technologies such as carbon dioxide adsorption, toxic heavy metal ions removal from water and applications in catalysis were explored and investigated. Mesoporous PMF was found to have high capacity in carbon dioxide adsorption. Carbon dioxide adsorption by PMF was instantaneous, highly reversible and recyclable. Due to its high surface area, good porosity and the presence of amine functional groups, mesoporous PMF displayed efficient toxic metal ion removal from water. Toxic lead ions could be removed to trace concentration (ppt) using PMF as a solid adsorbent, and fast adsorption kinetics could be achieved. Catalytic application for mesoporous PMF as a heterogeneous organocatalyst was also explored. Mesoporous PMF was found to catalyze the acetalization of aldehydes, and a mild, chemoselective, amine-catalyzed acetalization reaction was developed.