Wettable Nanoporous Polymer Monoliths

MRSEC Participant: Pedro Arrechea

MRSEC Advisor: Marc Hillmyer

Nanoporous polystyrene monoliths monoliths have been prepared from polystyrene-polylactide block copolymers (PS-b-PLA) that form hexagonally packed nanocylinders of PLA in a PS matrix. The ability to uptake methanol into these pores has been demonstrated in previous publication. Due to the hydrophobic nature of PS, the pores are not accessible to many aqueous solutions. In this work, hydrophilic polyethylene oxide (PEO) has been incorporated onto the pore walls of the nanocylinders via blending of PS-b-PLA with PS-b-PEO. Removal of the PLA via hydrolysis of the polyester bonds gives pores with the ability to uptake pure water.