Chemical modification of the polymer of intrinsic microporosity PIM-1 for enhanced hydrogen storage

A detailed investigation has been carried out of the pre-polymerisation modification of the polymer of intrinsic microporosity PIM-1 by the addition of two methyl (Me) groups to its spirobisindane unit to create a new chemically modified PIM-1 analogue, termed MePIM. Our work explores the effects of this modification on the porosity of PIM-1 and hence on its gas sorption properties. MePIM was successfully synthesised using either low (338 K) or high (423 K) temperature syntheses. It was observed that introduction of methyl groups to the spirobisindane part of PIM-1 generates additional microporous spaces, which significantly increases both surface area and hydrogen storage capacity. The BET surface area (N2 at 77 K) was increased by ~ 12.5%, resulting in a ~ 25% increase of hydrogen adsorption after modification. MePIM also maintains the advantages of good processability and thermal stability. This work provides new insights on a facile polymer modification that enables enhanced gas sorption properties.