Thin films of polymerized acetylene by RF discharge and its benzene absorption ability

Thin films of polymerized acetylene have been deposited by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition with a capacitively coupled RF discharge of acetylene. From the results of elemental analysis, FTIR, 1H-NMR and electrical conductivity, a highly branched chemical structure for the polymeric film is proposed. The morphology of the film surface, as well as its thickness was determined by scanning electron microscopy. The optical constants of the film, refractive index and optical band gap energy were obtained by the UV–vis transmittance spectrum using different models from the literature. The films presented a moderate degree of hydrophobicity and showed a high capacity to absorb and retain benzene after drying at room temperature during 24 h. This result shows the potential of the obtained polymer to be used in filler of filters employed for the treatment of industrial effluents.