Influence of the Polymer Surface Charge on the Synthesis and Properties of Polymer–Silica Composites

Silica–polymer composites using positively charged polystyrene and Amberlite beads and neutral Amberlite beads as seeds were prepared in an acidic silica synthesis medium. The potential for functionalization of the composites for specific applications depends on the inorganic (silica) phase present. The synthesized composites were characterized by determining the percentage of organic content, particle size, surface area, and pore size and volume and the percentage of CO2 adsorbed to investigate the potential for specific application. The use of positively charged polymers resulted in a higher content of silica incorporated, leading to an increase in the composite particle size and a higher incorporation of the amine functional group. Application of the composites for CO2 adsorption shows higher sorption rates in the composites made with positively charged polymer seeds. The highest amount of CO2 adsorbed is seen in the amine-functionalized composite made from Amberlite IRA-900 Cl, positively charged polymer beads with relatively large pores.