Preparation and Characterization of a Novel Vinyl Polysiloxane Getter for Hydrogen Elimination

Abstract

Hydrogen generation and accumulation in confined spaces poses safety concerns due to its reactivity with oxygen to form explosions and the ability to embrittle metals. Various organic getters have been developed to eliminate hydrogen and minimize these undesired effects; however, these getters are usually powders with low molecular weights and are difficult to apply in complex structures. Polymer getters exhibit the promising features required for confined space applications, where could be readily processed into various shapes and forms. Unfortunately, polymer getters are relatively unexplored and their recorded performances are far from satisfactory. In this work, we report the preparation and characterization of novel vinyl polysiloxane getters. Starting from a methyl vinyl silicone oil prepared by ring-opening polymerization, polysiloxane getters in versatile forms that are adaptable to various environments are prepared by adding Pd/C and then curing. Combined with the thermal and radiation stability of polysiloxane, not only will these new getters be applicable in future applications in the electronic and nuclear industries as hydrogen scavengers, they also serve as platform for further development of polymer getters with superior properties.

Synthesis of Poly[(vinyl chloride)-co-(vinyl polydimethylsiloxane)] via Precipitation Polymerization and Its Lubrication Behavior in the PVC Matrix

“…Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a kind of polydisperse polymer and is composed of all Si and O atoms in the main chain. Owing to its unique chemical structure, PDMS has many excellent properties, such as chemical stability, low surface free energy, weather resistance, hydrophobicity, biocompatibility, etc. − It can be used either as a host material to achieve special applications or as a modification agent to modify other materials . Zhao et al synthesized a type of PDMS elastomer based on the structural design of the polymer by cross-linking maleimide-containing PDMS and furan-based capped PDMS via the Diels–Alder (DA) reaction.…”

Silanized Graphene Oxide-Supported Pd Nanoparticles and Silicone Rubber for Enhanced Hydrogen Elimination

“…However, hydrogen is a flammable and explosive gas: when the volume fraction of hydrogen in the air reaches 4%, it may explode. Moreover, if hydrogen is not eliminated, it will also cause hazards such as hydrogen corrosion, degradation of electronic components, and embrittlement of materials [2]. In some specific environments, the concentration of hydrogen needs to be maintained below a few percent to ensure safety [3].…”

“…However, the commercial Pd/C tended to agglomerate in SR, which will reduce the active reaction sites of Pd, making this common catalyst unsuitable for SR. However, Pd supported on the surface of GO is a common catalyst, which can make Pd nanoparticles more uniformly dispersed and increase reaction sites [2]. GO has the advantages of low density, high specific surface area, multiple reactive sites, and good chemical stability [8,9].…”