One-pot, template-free synthesis of a robust superhydrophobic polymer monolith with an adjustable hierarchical porous structure. Issue 19 (4th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Yong; Zhang, Zhaozhu; Ge, Bo; Men, Xuehu; Xue, Qunji
• Is Part Of: Green chemistry. Volume 18:Issue 19(2016)
• Page Start: 5266
• Page End: 5272
• Publication Date: 2016-07-04
• Subjects: Environmental chemistry -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1039/c6gc01171c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-9262

Abstract

Abstract : Multifunctional polymer monoliths with both tunable hierarchical porosity and damage-tolerant superhydrophobic properties are fabricated via a one-pot, template-free process. Abstract : We fabricated a porous polymer monolith with tunable hierarchical porosity and damage-tolerant superhydrophobic properties simultaneously using divinylbenzene (DVB) and SiO2 composites. The polymer monolith exhibiting a high specific surface area (820.5 m 2 g −1 ) and large pore volume (1.59 cm 3 g −1 ) is obtained without using any fluorinated compounds, template, surfactant or stabilizer and further chemical modification which is green, low cost, simple and environmentally-safe. The hierarchical porosity of the polymer monolith is controllable readily by regulating the solvothermal temperature. In addition, the polymer monolith features excellent superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 161.3° and a sliding angle smaller than 4.0° as well as switchable wettability which can be realized by simple UV irradiation and abrasion. Importantly, the monolith demonstrates excellent mechanical resistance and environmental durability owing to its low-surface-energy microstructures extending throughout its whole volume which is comparable to most superhydrophobic surfaces that have poor durability. Moreover, the monolith can be used as a chalk for painting superhydrophobic porous polymer coating on substrates with various shapes and features, which facilitates the preparation of large area superhydrophobic surfaces and is extensively applicable.