Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIMs): Synthesis and Application

Porous polymers represent a class of materials wherein the arrangement of their constituent building blocks gives rise to intricate 2- or 3-dimensional porous structures. Among these, Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIMs) stand out as a distinct category characterized by their randomly contorted shapes, preventing efficient macromolecular packing in the solid state, therefore resulting in the formation of pores. The porosity of PIMs, classified as either microporous (pore size < 2 nm) or mesoporous (pore size 2–50 nm), holds significant technological relevance in applications such as adsorption, separation, and heterogeneous catalysis, owing to their expansive and easily accessible surface areas.

Despite being discovered only two decades ago, extensive research has been dedicated to optimizing the synthetic pathways of PIMs. This seminar aims to delve into the evolution of these synthetic methods over time, spanning from initial discoveries to recent advancements. The discussion will not only address the intricacies of PIM synthesis but also shed light on the diverse applications that stem from their distinctive properties.