Preparation of lignin modified hyper-cross-linked nanoporous resins and their efficient adsorption for p-nitrophenol in aqueous solution and CO2 capture

A series of lignin modified hyper-cross-linked nanoporous resins (LMHCRs) had been synthesized from lignin, 4-vinylbenzyl chloride, and divinylbenzene by free radical polymerization reaction and following Friedel-Crafts reaction. The results indicated that Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area (SBET) of LMHCRs decreased with different degrees compared with polymeric microspheres (HCRs) without adding lignin. With increasing the feeding amount of lignin, the SBET of LMHCRs first increased and then decreased, and LMHCR-2 had larger SBET (968.52 m2/g) and average pore size (DA: 2.51 nm). Meanwhile, their contact angle continuously decreased from 92.10 to 71.30, indicating the enhanced polarity. Interestingly, the adsorption capacity of p-nitrophenol (PNP) on all LMHCRs were obviously higher than rhodamine B, and LMHCR-2 had the largest capacity ratio (3.780) of PNP to rhodamine B or other organic dyes at 298 K. Specifically, the Qm of PNP on LMHCR-2 reached the largest value (492.1 mg/g) due to its suitable porosity and favorable surface polarity. LMHCR-2 also displayed excellent CO2 capture (86.5 mg/g) at 273 K and 1 bar and good reusability. This study provided an efficient route to modify hyper-cross-linked resin by using the residual lignin, and showed the enhanced adsorption performance. •LMHCR resins were synthesized from lignin, VBC, and DVB by copolymerization and Friedel-Crafts reaction.•With increasing lignin dosage, the SBET of LMHCR resins first increased and then decreased, while the polarity increased.•LMHCR-2 had the largest equilibrium capacity ratio (3.780) of p-nitrophenol to rhodamine B or other organic dyes.•The Qmax of p-nitrophenol reached the largest value (492.1 mg/g) due to its suitable porosity and favorable surface polarity.•We provided an efficient route to modify hyper-cross-linked resin by using the residual lignin.