Abstract: Functionalized polymers and methods of functionalizing polymers with reactive species having decontaminating activity, such as polyoxometalates and metal oxides. Covalent bonding of the reactive species to the polymer securely immobilizes the reactive species and stabilizes the decontaminating activity of the reactive species. Specifically, the covalent bonding of the reactive species greatly reduces moisture deactivation during prolonged exposure to atmospheric moisture. Polyoxometalates are catalytically reactive through oxidative pathways and metal oxides are reactive through hydrolytic pathways. Both polyoxometalates and metal oxides having oxygen atoms available for covalent bonding with an appropriate bifunctional linking agent.

Abstract: Polymer-metal ion composites and methods are provided for reversibly binding target compounds using such composites. Broadly, the composites comprise an amorphous polymer matrix having a plurality of channels with metal ion-ligand complexes immobilized therein. The composites are formed by polymerizing a polymeric moiety with a metal complex template in the presence of a solvent. The template is formed of a metal ion having a ligand bonded thereto as well as to polymer matrix. The metal ion and ligand are selected to yield a composite having a particular chemical and/or physical environment around the metal sites, depending upon the desired end use. Preferred metal ions include ions of the transition metals. The composites can be contacted with target compounds for reversibly binding the compounds. Exemplary compounds include those selected from the group consisting of oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, compounds having an atom of P, S, or N, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Polymer-metal ion composites and methods are provided for reversibly binding target compounds using such composites. Broadly, the composites comprise an amorphous polymer matrix having a plurality of channels with metal ion-ligand complexes immobilized therein. The composites are formed by polymerizing a polymeric moiety with a metal complex template in the presence of a solvent. The template is formed of a metal ion having a ligand bonded thereto as well as to polymer matrix. The metal ion and ligand are selected to yield a composite having a particular chemical and/or physical environment around the metal sites, depending upon the desired end use. Preferred metal ions include ions of the transition metals. The composites can be contacted with target compounds for reversibly binding the compounds. Exemplary compounds include those selected from the group consisting of oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, compounds having an atom of P, S, or N, and mixtures thereof.