Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of Pol(yzirconium methylsiloxane) Xerogels

A method of the synthesis of hybrid organo–inorganic materials (xerogels of pol(yzirconiummethylsiloxanes)) with a large specific surface area and a considerable volume of sorbing space is developed. It is shown that an increase in the content of zirconium ions in the polymethylsiloxane matrix is accompanied by an increase in its specific surface area and a decrease in both the volume and diameter of sorbing pores. It is assumed that the noticeable changes in the parameters of porous structure are caused by the enhancement of the hydrophilicity of the system upon introducing zirconium ions. Using differential thermal analysis, it is shown that methyl groups on the adsorbent surfaces are stable up to 350°C.