MESOPOROUS INORGANIC MONOLITHS FROM LYOTROPIC LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE POLYMER TEMPLATES

Lyotropic phases of amphiphilic block copolymers and water are used as templates for the synthesis of monolithic mesoporous silica objects. These monoliths show a large specific surface area, high porosity, and a narrow pore size distribution. The template can be removed from the monolithic material by solvent extraction. The polymerization of an o rganic monomer is conducted in the bicontinuous pore system of the sil ica monolith. Removal of the inorganic matter affords a nanostructured organic polymer, such proving both bicontinuity as well as complete a ccessibility of the pore system. It is suggested that bicontinuous mon olith materials with pore sizes in the nanometer range are useful medi a for studying the effects of confinement on matter.