SPECIAL POLYMERS/SOFT MATTER COLLOQUIA: “Accessing Innovative Polymers Through Emulsion Templating”

Porous polymer can be generated through combinations of macromolecular design, self-assembly, templating, and solution-separation processes. Emulsion templating offers a considerable and versatile parameter space for the generation of innovative porous polymer systems with potential for industrial adoption. Originally, polyHIPEs (porous polymers templated within high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs)) consisted of hydrophobic polymers synthesized within water-in-oil emulsions via free radical polymerization. Now, emulsion templating encompasses a wide variety of synthesis chemistries, a wide variety of emulsions, a wide variety of macromolecular structures, and a wide variety of applications. Recent advances include shape memory, bicontinuity, stimulus-response, renewable resources, biodegradability, interpenetrating polymer networks, hydrogels, absorbents, adsorbents, tissue engineering scaffolds, controlled release, thermal energy storage, and hierarchical porosities. Going beyond porous polymers, emulsion templating can also be used to generate porous carbons, porous inorganics, and even encapsulation systems for aqueous solutions, melts of inorganic salts, and organic liquids.