Optimization of a Polymer/Zeolite-Based Composite Formulation Prepared via Photopolymerization under Near-UV/Visible Light

Abstract

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the preparation of structured polymer/zeolite composites via photopolymerization under UV/visible light. However, there is a lack of systematic study on formulation optimization, including the interaction between zeolite and photoinitiators as well as the selection of monomers. In this study, we investigated five acrylate/ methacrylate monomers, two photoinitiators, and four zeolites of different frameworks and compensation cations. The photopolymerization kinetics, depth of cure (DOC), and colorimetric properties of the polymer/zeolite composites were examined. Furthermore, the calcination parameters such as temperatures and atmospheres were explored. This calcination process is crucial for applications such as gas adsorption and catalysis, where the removal of the polymer is necessary to release zeolite porosity. The results demonstrated that the polymerization kinetics was influenced by zeolite's acidity, depending on the choice of photoinitiator. Additionally, the photoinitiators could further affect the specific surface areas of the calcined composites. PEGDA emerged as the most suitable polymer matrix due to its superior compatibility with zeolites, leading to homogeneous zeolite distribution and smooth surface characteristics after calcination. This work allows a better understanding of zeolite−resin interactions and highlights the influence of essential parameters and compounds on the characteristics of the structured nanoporous composites. This is a significant advance in the development of zeolite-based composites and of the process of zeolite shaping through photopolymerization.