In summary, a new hyper-cross-linked polymer, hydrophobic
HCPs, was successfully synthesized via one-step Friedel–Crafts
alkylation reaction using benzyl chloride as a monomer, FDA as a
cross-linker and FeCl3 as a catalyst. It is found that an HCP having
a good hydrophobicity with high surface area and pore volume was
formed under the investigated conditions. By adjusting benzyl
chlorine to FDA molar ratio, the HCP-0.5 sample having a high surface
area of 1394 m2/g, a large pore volume of 1.55 m3/g and
micro–mesopore structure was obtained. The static adsorption of
benzene and water vapor was demonstrated over HCP-0.5 sample.
The results indicated that the static adsorption amount of benzene
obtained at 298 K is much greater than most of other classical
adsorbents reported in literature. Henry’ law constant of HCP-0.5,
calculated from virial equation, proved that the HCP-0.5 exhibited
a good hydrophobicity. The dynamic adsorption results indicated
that high concentration water vapor in benzene had little effect
on the adsorption capacity of benzene on HCP-0.5. The dynamic
adsorption amount of benzene on HCP-0.5 under 80% relative
humidity can reach 86% of the corresponding value under dry condition
and the breakthrough times are almost unchanged, which
revealed that HCP-0.5 sample could exhibit high selectivity for
the adsorption of benzene when water vapor coexists. The