Microporous polyacrylate matrix containing hydrogen bonded nanotubular assemblies

We report the straightforward photo-polymerization of polyacrylate films containing bis-urea based self-assembled nanotubes. The obtained materials are characterized by gas adsorption measurements, 129Xe NMR spectroscopy and WAXS. The presence of the bis-ureas is shown by butane adsorption (at 273 K and ambient pressure) to be responsible for the formation of a significant microporosity. This porosity is however not detected by the classical argon adsorption procedure (at 77 K and low pressure). This effect is attributed to the contraction of the material at low temperature and pressure, and may be of general concern for other organic porous materials. One of the potential advantages of the present materials is that the porosity results from the self-assembled nanotubes and should therefore be independent of the matrix mechanical properties. It should in particular be possible to adjust the flexibility of the matrix by changing the monomer composition.