Hyperbranched polymers have a large number of end-groups and a dendritic-like structure. Unlike dendrimers, hyperbranched polymers can be synthesized in one step process from ABx-type monomers, where x is two or more. It means that a large number of catalytically active sites can be introduced if the end-groups are converted into catalytically active functional groups. Our research group has been developing novel hybrid materials of aromatic hyperbranched polymers and carbon and investigating their property as heterogeneous catalysts. This presentation introduce the recent progress of our study on hyperbranched poly(ether sulfone) and its application as a solid acid catalyst. Fig. 1 shows the schematic of the designed material. The polymer studied in this work, hyperbranched sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) (HBSPES), is soluble in various conditions, but it can be used as a heterogenous catalyst by immoblizing HBSPES onto carbon black (HBSPES/CB). This material can be used as a heterogeneous catalyst at 130 °C owing to the high thermal stability of the aromatic backbone, whereas typical ion exchange resin such as amberlyst cannot be used at over 120 °C (Fig. 2).

Modification of carbon surfaces with hyperbranched polymer for developing novel catalyst materials

251st National Meeting (2016)

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