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

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.