Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous cross-linked polystyrene incorporating functional group via hydrophilic spacer arm

A versatile and effective method for incorporating functional groups on the pore wall of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous cross-linked polystyrene (3DOM CLPS) by hydrophilic spacer arm has been investigated. The 3DOM CLPS with pore size 865 nm was prepared by sacrifice template method. The hydrophilic spacer arm (polyethylene glycol, molecular weight is 600) was grafted to the 3DOM CLPS via nucleophilic substitution reaction. The other side of active hydroxyl can be further converted into a lot of other functional groups. In this report, the chelating ligand 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBZ) group was introduced on the end of the PGE chain to evidence the versatile functionalization approach. The functionalized ordered macroporous materials were characterized by FT-IR, element analyzer, SEM. The results reveal that the pores were successfully bonded with 2-mercaptobenzothiazole groups via hydrophilic spacer arms and the original morphology of ordered macroporous materials were remained after functionalization. The MBZ group density is 0.052 mmol/m2. The functionalized 3DOM CLPS are expected to application as heavy metal ions adsorbent.