Synthesis of Macroporous Organic－Inorganic Polymer Hybrids from Used Tea Leaves Extract

Abstract

Macroporous organic－inorganic polymer hybrids were prepared from polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and inorganic alkoxides in the presence of extract from used tea leaves. To a reaction mixture of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and tetramethoxysilane, extract from used tea leaves and HCl aqueous solution in methanol were added. The resulting mixture was constantly stirred at room temperature for 1 h and heated and dried at 60 ℃ for 2 weeks. When the tea extract was used, the turbid polymer hybrids were obtained. In the SEM image of the obtained polymer hybrids, spherical pores were observed. The corresponding polymer hybrids were a macroporous material having a pore size from 7.57 to 18.49 μm. Therefore, we succeeded in finding that the used tea leafs were able to utilize for the synthesis of novel macroporous materials.