The
complexity in the chemical structure of asphaltenes has the
potential to be utilized in generating novel materials. In the present
study, three different asphaltene samples derived from heavy and light
crude oils are cross-linked in a chlorinated solvent. Diffuse reflectance
infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy was used for the identification
of functional groups and aliphatic-to-aromatic ratios type index values of cross-linked asphaltenes.
Raman spectra of asphaltenes showed an increase in average molecular
dimensions of cross-linked asphaltenes compared to the original asphaltenes
without cross-linking. A porous network-type structure is proposed
for explaining the structure of the cross-linked asphaltenes, and
this is revealed by surface area analysis. It seems that it is possible
to cross-link asphaltenes independent of their geographical origin.
The experimental procedure here could be applied for similar materials
as well. The cross-linked asphaltenes with porous network-type structure
might act as a precursor material for making activated porous carbons,
a carbonaceous scaffold for synthesizing novel materials in the confined
state, and for modifying surfaces of nanomaterials.
A microporous organic framework polymer (OFP) based on a polyimide framework exhibits a high surface area (1159 m2 g(-1)) and shows a reversible H2 storage capacity of 3.94 wt% at 10 bar and 77 K, the highest yet reported for an organic polymer.
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