Synthesis of ordered, functional, robust nanoporous membranes from liquid crystalline brush-like triblock copolymersElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c7py02127e

The fabrication of mechanically robust nanoporous polymeric membrane materials with aligned, accessible functionalized nanopores is extremely important for many applications. We report a general and modular synthesis, structure/morphology and properties of nanoporous membranes from norbornene backbone based triblock copolymers containing functionalized amine monomers in the central block, and side-chain liquid crystalline and side-chain polylactide end blocks. The composition, sequence of monomer addition, overall molecular weight, norbornene backbone and thiol-ene crosslinking chemistries are chosen and optimized to produce functional and easily aligned pores within the membrane. These membranes are shown to retain their morphology before and after crosslinking as well as hydrolysis of polylactide side chains. The functional groups on the pores are shown to be chemically accessible as evidenced by spectroscopic techniques and subjecting the membranes to the uptake of arsenate ions as a model application. The fabrication of mechanically robust nanoporous polymeric membrane materials with aligned, accessible functionalized nanopores is extremely important for many applications.