Abstract
PolyHIPEs are emulsion-templated polymers synthesized within high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). The miscibility of acrylonitrile (AN) with water has made it difficult to synthesize PAN-based polyHIPEs. This paper describes the successful synthesis of PAN-based polyHIPEs by crosslinking through copolymerization with divinylbenzene (DVB), by stabilization with a polyglycerol polyricinoleate surfactant, and by initiation with both oil- and water-soluble initiators. The PAN-based polyHIPEs had porosities of over 86% and porous structures that were different from those of typical polyHIPEs. This paper also describes the production of porous carbon monoliths through the pyrolysis of these PAN-based polyHIPEs. Pyrolysis did not produce significant changes in the porous structures, which were quite similar to those of the original polyHIPEs. The porosities were around 95% and the carbon monoliths were largely macroporous and mesoporous, with some microporosity. These results indicate that PAN-based polyHIPE templates can be used for the a priori design of porous carbon monoliths.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 282-287 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Polymer |
Volume | 52 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 21 Jan 2011 |
Keywords
- High internal phase emulsion
- Polyacrylonitrile
- Porous carbon
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Organic Chemistry
- Polymers and Plastics
- Materials Chemistry