Advanced emulsion-templated porous polymers through controlled radical polymerization

Macroporous polymer monoliths are remarkable materials used in several applications such as supported catalysis, chromatography, water purification, gas capture, to name but a few. The emulsion-templated polymerization method, often based on conventional radical polymerization, is a very popular and straightforward approach for preparing such porous polymers. Nevertheless, the demand for more and more sophisticated porous supports with controlled porosity, good mechanical properties and specific surface properties, is increasing and requires the development of innovative synthesis strategies. The present thesis aims to explore the possible benefits of controlled radical polymerization (CRP) for the design of advanced macroporous monoliths via emulsion templated polymerization. In a general approach, copolymers with precise architecture, composition and chain-end functionality, were synthesized by CRP and used as macromolecular surfactants for stabilizing various types of high and medium internal phase emulsion polymerizations. A clear effect of the nature and concentration of the surfactants on the porous structures was emphasized. The physical and chemical anchoring of the macromolecular surfactants at the surface of the porous monoliths was also achieved allowing the functionalization of porous supports while preserving their openness. Finally, specific surfactants were designed by CRP for stabilizing CO2-in-ionic liquid (IL) emulsions which paved the way to the single step synthesis of unique and valuable macroporous poly(ionic liquid)s/ILs gels. Overall, the present work highlights the great potential of CRP for the emulsion-templated polymerization and the production of advanced functional macroporous monoliths.