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Hierarchical porous polymer scaffolds from block copolymers

Cornell Affiliated Author(s)

Author

H. Sai
K.W. Tan
K. Hur
E. Asenath-Smith
R. Hovden
Y. Jiang
M. Riccio
D.A. Muller
V. Elser
L.A. Estroff
Sol Gruner
U. Wiesner

Abstract

Hierarchical porous polymer materials are of increasing importance because of their potential application in catalysis, separation technology, or bioengineering. Examples for their synthesis exist, but there is a need for a facile yet versatile conceptual approach to such hierarchical scaffolds and quantitative characterization of their nonperiodic pore systems. Here, we introduce a synthesis method combining well-established concepts of macroscale spinodal decomposition and nanoscale block copolymer self-assembly with porosity formation on both length scales via rinsing with protic solvents. We used scanning electron microscopy, small-angle x-ray scattering, transmission electron tomography, and nanoscale x-ray computed tomography for quantitative pore-structure characterization. The method was demonstrated for AB- and ABC-type block copolymers, and resulting materials were used as scaffolds for calcite crystal growth.

Date Published

Journal

Science

Volume

341

Issue

6145

Number of Pages

530-534,

URL

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84881040578&doi=10.1126%2fscience.1238159&partnerID=40&md5=cd68c5286f745de1212e3a1cd2c00b49

DOI

10.1126/science.1238159

Research Area

Group (Lab)

Sol M. Gruner Group
Veit Elser Group

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