Azo-linked porous organic polymers: robust and time-efficient synthesis via NaBH4-mediated reductive homocoupling on polynitro monomers and adsorption capacity towards aniline in water

Abstract

Time-efficient synthetic methods of porous organic polymers are searched in order to extend the applications of these materials. In this work, we show a robust and time-efficient synthetic method of azo-linked porous organic polymers named Azo-POPs based on a NaBH₄-mediated reductive coupling polymerization on well-known polynitro monomers. Azo-POPs were found to have a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and potential for aniline adsorption. Interestingly, Azo-POP-1 showed adsorption capacity towards aniline as high as 1059.68 mg g⁻¹ at 293 K, which surpassed that of adsorbent materials reported in the literature.