Novel periodic mesoporous organosilicas containing pyromellitimides and their application for the photodegradation of asphaltenes

Author(s)

Andrade, Luana dos Santos ^[1] ; Otubo, Larissa ^[2] ; Castanheira, Bruna ^[1] ; Brochsztain, Sergio ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed ABC, Ctr Engn Modelagem & Ciencias Sociais Aplicadas, Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

^[2] Inst Pesquisas Energet & Nucl, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Microporous and Mesoporous Materials; v. 312, JAN 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Periodic mesoporous organosilicas containing pyromellitic diimide units embedded in the pore walls (PMOPMI) were synthesized by co-condensation of the bridged silsesquioxane precursor N,N'-bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)pyromellitimide with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in acidic conditions, in the presence of the structure-directing agent Pluronics P-123. PMOPMI were also synthesized from the corresponding amic acid precursors. The PMOPMI were studied by different techniques, including N-2 adsorption isotherms, transmission electron microscopy, infrared and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and contact angles. The studied samples displayed well-organized 2D-hexagonal structures. The PMOPMI were able to adsorb petroleum asphaltenes from toluene solutions, and were efficient photosensitizers for the photodegradation of the adsorbed asphaltenes when irradiated. Most of the asphaltenes were removed from solutions by the combined action of adsorption and photodegradation processes. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/05496-2 - Synthesis and characterization of periodic mesoporous organosilicas containing aromatic imides for applications in the energy sector
• Grantee: Sergio Brochsztain
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants