Synthesis of thermochemically stable tetraphenyladamantane-based microporous polymers as gas storage materials

In view of environmental pollution control and purification of natural gases, developing ideal porous materials for small gas molecule (hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide) capture is an important, pressing challenge. Accordingly, herein, three microporous organic polymers (MOP-Ad) have been synthesized by Suzuki coupling polymerization of 1,3,5,7-tetrakis(4-bromophenyl)adamantane “knots” with three phenylboronic acid-type “rods”. Gas adsorption studies of the MOP-Ad materials demonstrated their permanent porosity and good gas storage capabilities (1.07 wt% H₂ at 77.3 K and 1.13 bar, 10.3 wt% CO₂ and 2.4 wt% CH₄ at 273.1 K and 1.13 bar), as well as moderate CO₂/CH₄ adsorption selectivity. Moreover, high thermal stability (up to 520 °C) and remarkable chemical resistance to strong acids and bases were found in these polymers, making them suitable candidates as gas storage materials in harsh chemical environments.