The synthesis of silsesquioxanes-based
(SQ) porous polymers was constituted by
two main steps: the synthesis of the precursors, and the polymerization between
the organic and inorganic part. The solgel process was used for the synthesis
of SQs, while the organic part, 5,5’,6,6’-
tetrahydroxy - 3,3,3’,3’-tetramethyl-1,1’-
spirobisindane (TTSBI), was synthesised
via cyclization reaction. The followon cross-linking reactions were based on
Schotten-Baumann reaction and Michael
addition. The obtained SQ-cages and
hybrids where characterized with 13C
NMR, 1H NMR and ATR-FTIR. A total of three hybrids were obtained, respectively called 0.01TTSBI, T8TTSBI and
T8SEBCL, which differ in structure and
composition. The first is made by a
random SQs network covalently bonded
with TTSBI, while the last two share
the cubic silsesquioxane structure (T8),
however T8TTSBI is combined with oxidised TTSBI, while T8SEBCL is combined with sebacoyl chloride. These three
hybrids were used as adsorbents in adsorption studies. The results showed
that 0.0TTSBI was the most versatile,
as it could adsorb in different quantities all the dyes and the heavy metal
ion tested. Overall, it is concluded that
the main mechanism of adsorption is
chemisorption, combined with pysisorption for 0.01TTSBI.