Catalysis Research of PDMSUr-PWA Films: Aspects to be Considered

Abstract

PU/PDMS based co-polymers present as drawbacks low hardness and tenacity. By this reason, they are reinforced with silicate structure like ormosil, which is acting as a reinforcement agent. In turn, these ormosil can act as a suitable matrix to host polyoxometalates like phosphotungstic acid (H3PW12O40/ PWA). Thus, PDMSUr-PWA films (containing PDMS, Urethanes, Polyurethanes, Silicates and PWA), which constitute hybrid materials exhibit interesting mechanical and chemical properties, looking to satisfy part of the demand of thermal and electrical insulators and anticorrosive coatings also. For the applications of these materials are necessary the correlation among structure, composition, and properties. From results of XPS and ATR FT-MIR analysis constitute evidence of the presence of molecular ([PW12O40]3–) and atomic (W) Tungsten at top Surface (10 nm of depth) of these materials. Furthermore, considering features that PDMSUr-PWA films exhibit e.g. elasticity and hardness, one can infer that these materials could constitute a structural support for PWA in applications of heterogeneous catalysis in many chemical reactions. PDMSUr-PWA film containing 35 w/w% of PWA approximately (content at which the W concentration is maxima), the Tungsten segregation at surface of these films is predominant. Additionally, if it is taken in consideration the significant Bromine presence at surface at the concentration of PWA mentioned above, one could deduct that this sample is candidate for application as anticorrosive coatings. Finally, taking advantage of the Proton conductivity of PWA, this sample also could be considered as a mixed conductor (of protons and electrons), which in the form of membranes fulfill the requirements in order to be used as fuel cells.