Abstract
Compressible and monolithic microporous polymers (MPs) are reported. MPs were prepared as monoliths via a Sonogashira–Hagihara coupling reaction of 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (TEB) with the bis(bromothiophene) monomer (PBT-Br). The polymers were reversibly compressible, and were easily cut into any form using a knife. Microscopy studies on the MPs revealed that the polymers had tubular microstructures, resembling those often found in marine sponges. Under compression, elastic buckling of the tube bundles was observed using an optical microscope. MP-0.8, which was synthesized using a 0.8:1 molar ratio of PBT-Br to TEB, showed microporosity with a BET surface area as high as 463 m2g–1. The polymer was very hydrophobic, with a water contact angle of 145° and absorbed 7–17 times its own weight of organic liquids. The absorbates were released by simple compression, allowing recyclable use of the polymer. MPs are potential precursors of structured carbon materials; for example, a partially graphitic material was obtained by pyrolysis of MP-0.8, which showed a similar tubular structure to that of MP-0.8.
Highlights
IntroductionWhile sponges with large pores are mainly used for removing liquids by absorption, sponges with micropores will have a wider range of applications, such as in molecular storage, separation, and catalysis
We report on compressible, monolithic microporous polymer sponges with tubular structures, prepared via a one-pot synthesis
We have observed the formation of compressible monolithic polymers, MPs, from a cross-coupling reaction of multifunctional aromatic compounds
Summary
While sponges with large pores are mainly used for removing liquids by absorption, sponges with micropores will have a wider range of applications, such as in molecular storage, separation, and catalysis. Microporous organic polymers (MOPs) have been studied extensively because of their versatile functionality and mechanical stability. Most MOPs are usually prepared using a stepwise polymerization of tri- or higher multifunctional building blocks, and are obtained as precipitated particles because of their cross-linked structures. Compressible microporous polymers have not yet been reported. We report on compressible, monolithic microporous polymer sponges with tubular structures, prepared via a one-pot synthesis. We synthesized a series of microporous polymers using the cross-coupling reactions of multifunctional aromatic monomers. From among several possible combinations, the reaction conditions were clarified under which compressible polymer monoliths could be produced.
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