Conjugated microporous polymer nanotubes and hydrophobic sponges

• Novel nanotube-like conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) was prepared.
• CMP nanotube-based hydrophobic melamine sponges via “ship-in-bottle” technology.
• CMP treated sponges exhibit excellent absorption capacity for oils and organics.
• The absorbates can be re-collected simply by squeezing the treated sponge.

Novel nanotube-like conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) with a large surface area was prepared by one-step chemical synthesis via cross-coupling of 1,4-diethynylbenzene and 2,4,6-tribromophenol. Due to its unique surface hydrophobicity and porous feature, we prepared CMP nanotube-based hydrophobic sponges by filling the CMP nanotubes into melamine sponges to afford a bulk absorbent via the method similar to “ship-in-bottle”. The CMP treated sponges exhibit excellent absorption capacity and recyclability for separation of organics from water. Moreover, the absorbates can be re-collected simply by squeezing the treated sponge. This work provides a simple and efficient method to prepare hydrophobic, oleophilic sponge materials, which is of technological significance for potential use, especially for oil-spill cleanups or removal of organic pollutants from water.

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