Functional monolithic polymeric organic framework aerogel as reducing and hosting media for Ag nanoparticles and application in capturing of iodine vapors

Monolithic aerogels of polymeric organic framework (Mon-POF) with a high density of OH functional groups were synthesized through solvothermal polymerization of terephthalaldehyde and 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene. This POF material presents high surface area of 1230 m ² g ^-1 having micro-, meso-, macropores, and low bulk density of 0.15 g cm ^-3. The evolution of the porous properties is controlled with the polymerization rate. Mon-POF is stable under acidic and basic conditions. The presence of high number of OH functional groups provides the monolith with ion-exchange properties as well as reducing properties. The Mon-POF adsorbs Ag ⁺ from aqueous solution to deposit Ag nanoparticles into the pores at a high loading content ∼25 wt % of the composite material. The Ag loaded monolith captures significant amount of I ₂ vapor and fixes it effectively in the form of β-AgI.