Polyfuran/zeolite LTA composites and adsorption properties

Composites of polyfuran (PFu) with LTA type (3A, 4A, 5A) zeolites were prepared via chemical oxidative polymerization of furan (Fu) in the presence of a dispersion of zeolites (powder) in ACN solvent using anhydrous FeCl3 oxidant at an ambient temperature. The composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. FTIR results showed that the composites of 3A zeolite with the smallest pore size did not indicate absorption for benzoyl chloride due to surface structural of OH groups. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed the stability order as: 3A > PFu/3A > PFu, 4A > PFu/4A > PFu, 5A > PFu/5A > PFu. Scanning electron microscopic analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the formation of polyfuran on zeolite structures. Conductivity values of samples are in the range of semi conductors. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.