Super-Hydrophobic, Stable, and Swelling Nanoporous Solid Strong Acid

Super-hydrophobic solid strong acid with superior thermal stability and unique swelling properties has been synthesized by sulfonation of nanoporous polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) with super-acid of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMSA). The resultant PDVB–HOSO2CF3 has a well developed system of nanopores, superhydrophobic surface character and strong acid sites, and could be used as a highly efficient solid acid for catalyzing production of biodiesel and fine chemicals via transesterification, esterification and acylation. In terms of activity PDVB–HOSO2CF3 is superior to various solid acids such as SBA-15-SO3CF3, Nafion, Amberlyst 15, SBA-15-Ar-SO3H and H form USY. The preparation of PDVB–HOSO2CF3 offers the way to develop new kind of porous solid acid with strong acid strength and regulated wettability.