A phenol-formaldehyde polymeric network to generate organic aerogels: synthesis, physicochemical characteristics and potential applications

In this study, phenol-formaldehyde (PhF) resins, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and 4-vinylpyridine were used for the preparation of two organic aerogels (AGs). The data showed that the organic AGs exhibited porous and functionalized structures resulting in efficient Cu(II) and Mn(II) ion removal from water sources. The AGs showed also fairly good sorption properties towards organic solvents and dyes. Combined complex permittivity and ac electrical conductivity measurements sense structural changes, indicating that AGs can also be promising sensors for the interaction of fluids interpenetrating their porous system.