Preparation and Catalytic Performance of the Porous Polysulfone Microspheres Enabled by Immobilized Ionic Liquids for Esterification

Chloromethylated polysulfone (PSF-Cl) porous microspheres were prepared with non-solvent induced phase inversion method for the immobilization of acidic ionic liquid ([MIMBS][HSO4]). FT-IR, SEM, and 1H-NMR were used to characterize the structure and property of polysulfone porous microsphere supported ionic liquid (PSF-ILs). The results showed that acidic ionic liquid was supported onto the PSF-Cl porous microspheres by covalent bond. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited a good catalytic activity with about 57% acetic acid conversion rate after 8h reaction. After the catalyst was reused for 7 times in the synthesis of ethyl acetate, the yield only decreased 6%.