Mesoporous inorganic monoliths from lyotropic liquid crystalline polymer templates

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Lyotropic phases of amphiphilic block copolymers and water are used as templates for the synthesis of monolithic mesoporous silica objects. These monoliths show a large specific surface area, high porosity, and a narrow pore size distribution. The template can be removed from the monolithic material by solvent extraction. The polymerization of an organic monomer is conducted in the bicontinuous pore system of the silica monolith. Removal of the inorganic matter affords a nanostructured organic polymer, such proving both bicontinuity as well as complete accessibility of the pore system. It is suggested that bicontinuous monolith materials with pore sizes in the nanometer range are useful media for studying the effects of confinement on matter.