Hyper-cross-linked resins with controllable pore structure

Hyper-cross-linked resins were synthesized by post cross-linking precursor resins prepared by suspension polymerization of vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC), divinylbenzene (DVB) and styrene (St) in the presence of inert porogens. The research results showed that porogen type had significant influences on the surface area, the average diameter and the total pore volume of the final products. The highest specific surface area was achieved with the resins prepared with mixture of toluene and hexane as inner porogens. Moreover, clear bimodal pore size curves were observed with the hyper-cross-linked resins prepared with mixture of hexane and toluene, or sole hexane as porogens. It was therefore indicated that hyper-cross-linked resins with different pore structure could be controllably prepared via varying porogen type.