Rational designs of polymers for interfacial assemblies and intrinsic porosity

Abstract

In Chapter 1, we begin with a brief introduction of dynamic complex colloids and porous organic polymers with their applications in different areas. In Chapter 2, we describe the interfacial polymerization on dynamic complex colloids using an interfacial free-radical initiator. Colloids that are in the Janus morphology with the hemispherical shells are shown to be more stable than their counterparts without the shells. In Chapter 3, we describe a general strategy to make 1 -dimentional porous polymers using Diels-Alder reaction and ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Corresponding polymers and copolymers are tested in terms of their adsorption capability towards common organic vapors, and the results are compared with commercially available activated carbon under the same test conditions. Chapter 4 discusses the gas separation performance for two specific polymers, CF₃-ROMP and OMe-ROMP, synthesized in chapter 2. CF₃-ROMP and OMe-ROMP casted into membranes are tested in terms of pure-gas permeation, mixed-gas permeation, physical aging and CO₂ plasticization. Corresponding results are compared with PIM-1 under the same treatment conditions. Chapter 5 describes the synthesis of five zwitterionic polymers via free-radical polymerization and post-polymerization functionalization. Their hydrodynamic radiuses are measured in different brines and static adsorptions towards limestone (LS) rock are determined using UV-Vis spectroscopy at 80°C.