Work

Pore Network Percolation in Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity Examined by Gaseous and Antimatter Probes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Synthesis of polymers with tailored properties requires an understanding of the underlying phenomena leading to these properties. Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) are non-network polymers with a substantial guest-accessible free volume. Their BET surface areas have been reported to be as high as 1000 m 2 /g, and their porosity has led to the demonstration of some of the best membrane-based gas separations to date. However, it has been challenging to predict porosity in PIMs a priori, in part due to an incomplete framework for understanding the origins of porosity in these materials. Here, porosity in several archetypal PIMs is examined through the lens of a percolation model, whereby porosity in oligomers follows behavior expected for nonpercolated and percolated networks. Positron-based Doppler broadening spectroscopy is used to examine buried pores in samples whose pores are inaccessible to typical (nonantimatter) guests and demonstrate that buried pores are present in PIMs with nonpercolated pore networks. Taken together, the findings are in agreement with the contention that network percolation plays a critical role in pore accessibility in PIMs.

Source: Macromolecules

DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.5c00945

Authors: Darin Sukalingum, Tianran Zhai, Marc H. Weber, Sohraab A. Khan, Thant H. Htut, Jeremy I. Feldblyum

Institutions: State University of New York, University at Albany, State University of New York, Washington State University

Language: English

Topic: Membrane Separation and Gas Transport

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: Research Foundation for the State University of New York, American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund