PolyHIPEs Containing Hyper-Cross-Linked Resins: Hierarchical Porosity with Broad and Versatile Sorption Properties

Abstract

Polymers templated within high internal phase emulsions (polyHIPEs) are characterized by a highly interconnected macroporous structure and exhibit remarkable absorption properties. Hyper-cross-linked resins (HCLRs) are micro/mesoporous polymers with high adsorption capacities toward organic molecules. Here, polyHIPEs based on styrene (ST) and divinylbenzene (DVB) and containing unmodified and amino-functionalized HLCRs based on vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) and DVB are realized using two different approaches, one based on the post-HIPE addition and the other based on the in-HIPE addition of the HCLRs. The amino-functionalization of the HCLRs was used to induce their localization on the polyHIPE’s surface. PolyHIPEs containing the amino-functionalized HCLRs exhibited significantly enhanced specific surface areas and sorption capacities for polar volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and CO2, and the addition of HCLRs does not negatively affect the high uptake of organic solvents by the polyHIPEs. The polyHIPEs containing the HCLRs exhibited regenerability above 99% in five sorption cycles. Nitrogen adsorption analysis and sorption tests demonstrated that the polyHIPEs with HCLRs synergistically combine the adsorption of the micro/mesoporous HCLRs with the absorption capacities of the polyHIPEs to generate advanced sorbent systems.