Super-Hydrophobic, Stable, and Swelling Nanoporous Solid Strong Acid

Abstract

Super-hydrophobic solid strong acid with superior thermal stability and unique swelling properties has been synthesized by sulfonation of nanoporous polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) with super-acid of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMSA). The resultant PDVB–HOSO₂CF₃ has a well developed system of nanopores, superhydrophobic surface character and strong acid sites, and could be used as a highly efficient solid acid for catalyzing production of biodiesel and fine chemicals via transesterification, esterification and acylation. In terms of activity PDVB–HOSO₂CF₃ is superior to various solid acids such as SBA-15-SO₃CF₃, Nafion, Amberlyst 15, SBA-15-Ar-SO₃H and H form USY. The preparation of PDVB–HOSO₂CF₃ offers the way to develop new kind of porous solid acid with strong acid strength and regulated wettability.