Structure-function Relationship in Conjugated Porous Polymers

Conjugated porous polymers (CPPs) are a class of fully amorphous polymer networks that are both fully cross-linked and exhibit complete π-conjugation. The salient combination of intrinsic permanent nanoscale porosity, complete π-conjugation and, for the most part, complete insolubility in commonplace solvents has lent CPPs towards various key applications such as (photo)catalysis, light harvesting, gas separation and storage, environmental remediation and chemosensing. Since they were first reported in 2007, CPPs have emerged as protean materials that can be figuratively tailored towards various applications through judicious selection of building blocks and innovative synthetic protocols. The primary focus of this book chapter will be directed at this combination of building block selection and the approach adopted during synthesis, such as the use of templating agents and post synthetic modifications. Significant discussion will also be devoted towards methods that can be used to influence the nanoscale structure of CPPs, including their surface area and morphology. In addition, examples of CPPs where intermolecular forces of attraction play key roles in their application, for example, during gas adsorption or host-guest complex formation, will also be highlighted.