Porous polymer/inorganic composite matrices as efficient desiccants for air dehumidification

• Published in: Applied surface science 2019-09, Vol.487, p.1189-1197
• Main Authors: Ignat, Maria, Samoila, Petrisor, Cojocaru, Corneliu, Soreanu, Gabriela, Cretescu, Igor, Harabagiu, Valeria
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air dehumidification; Polymer/inorganic composite; Porosity; Surface chemistry
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2019.05.204

A viable option for dehumidification of air stream moisture in closed environments is the use of super adsorbent materials with high capacity for water retention. Selective transport of water molecules across porous materials makes it possible to reduce the humidity of an air stream. The use of such materials has advantage over many commercially available desiccants because they allow an independent control of humidity, being nontoxic materials that adsorb water molecules. It is critical to design new super adsorbent materials for air dehumidification. For instance, a technical solution proposed in this work refers to the development of a specific super adsorbent matrix based on polymer-molecular sieves composites. The polymers are deposited on the rigid structure of different molecular sieves providing a composite structured network with synergistic properties. Theoretical screening indicates that these composites can be used for water retention as efficient desiccants alternative to other available adsorbents and were proved by water adsorption experiments. These polymer-inorganic composites are critical for controlling air dehumidification process. •The modification of the mesoporous materials surface is proposed.•The aminofunctionalization seems to be successful.•Polymer coating was associated with moisture sorption.•High water adsorption capacity has been reached.