Formation of Helical Mesopores in Organic Polymer Matrices

Self-assembled helices were used as templates to form helical mesopores in a polymeric matrix. The template was formed from the self-association of 3,5-bis(5-hexylcarbamoylpentyloxy)benzoic acid decyl ester in ethylene glycol diacrylate. The monomer was photopolymerized, and the resulting resin was extracted to remove the template. The helical shape of the pores was proven by TEM and tomographic studies. The ability to form material with high specific areas using tubular templates from the same molecules was also shown.