Chiral polymer microspheres have a porous structure of a concentric multi-shell structure. Each layer of the multi-shell structure is optically and structurally anisotropic. The optical axes of adjacent layers have a sequential slight twist. All layers of the multi-shell structure generate a helix configuration and the chiral polymer microspheres are optically active. A method for preparing the chiral polymer microspheres, includes: forming a homogeneous liquid crystal mixture; dispersing the liquid crystal mixture into a continuous phase to form liquid crystal droplets through an emulsification process; polymerizing the reactive liquid crystal to form intermediate microspheres; and removing the one non-reactive liquid crystal and the chiral additive to form the chiral polymer microspheres. The chiral polymer microspheres have a porous structure and a swelling ability, and can be used as the stationary phase in chiral chromatograph, improving separation efficiency.

In general, in various embodiments, the present disclosure is directed systems and methods for producing a porous surface from a solid piece of polymer. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to systems that include a track assembly, mold assembly, press assembly, and methods for using the same for producing a porous surface from a solid piece of polymer. In some embodiments, the present systems and methods are directed to processing a polymer at a temperature below a melting point of the polymer to produce a solid piece of polymer with an integrated a porous surface.

In general, in various embodiments, the present disclosure is directed systems and methods for producing a porous surface from a solid piece of polymer. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to systems that include a track assembly, mold assembly, press assembly, and methods for using the same for producing a porous surface from a solid piece of polymer. In some embodiments, the present systems and methods are directed to processing a polymer at a temperature below a melting point of the polymer to produce a solid piece of polymer with an integrated a porous surface.

This disclosure provides for processes to form a porous crosslinked polyphenoxide resin, using a templating process which can increase the porosity, pore size, active sites, and the like of the resin, as compared with a non-templated crosslinked polyphenoxide resin. The process includes contacting a phenol or polyphenol compound with formaldehyde and an aqueous base in the presence of a basic particulate template to form a templated crosslinked polyphenol resin. The templated crosslinked polyphenol resin can then be contacted with an aqueous acid to remove the basic particulate template and form a porous crosslinked polyphenol resin. This porous crosslinked polyphenol resin can subsequently be contacted with a metal-containing base to form a promoter for acrylate and acrylic acid formation from CO.sub.2 and ethylene coupling.

This disclosure provides for processes to form a porous crosslinked polyphenoxide resin, using a templating process which can increase the porosity, pore size, active sites, and the like of the resin, as compared with a non-templated crosslinked polyphenoxide resin. The process includes contacting a phenol or polyphenol compound with formaldehyde and an aqueous base in the presence of a basic particulate template to form a templated crosslinked polyphenol resin. The templated crosslinked polyphenol resin can then be contacted with an aqueous acid to remove the basic particulate template and form a porous crosslinked polyphenol resin. This porous crosslinked polyphenol resin can subsequently be contacted with a metal-containing base to form a promoter for acrylate and acrylic acid formation from CO.sub.2 and ethylene coupling.

Multiple processes for preparing porous articles are described. The porous articles can be in a wide array of shapes and configurations. The methods include providing a soluble material in particulate form and forming a packed region from the material. The methods also include contacting a flowable polymeric material with the packed region such that the polymeric material is disposed in voids in the packed region. The polymeric material is then at least partially solidified. The soluble material is then removed such as by solvent washing to thereby produce desired porous articles. Also described are systems for performing the various processes.

Multiple processes for preparing porous articles are described. The porous articles can be in a wide array of shapes and configurations. The methods include providing a soluble material in particulate form and forming a packed region from the material. The methods also include contacting a flowable polymeric material with the packed region such that the polymeric material is disposed in voids in the packed region. The polymeric material is then at least partially solidified. The soluble material is then removed such as by solvent washing to thereby produce desired porous articles. Also described are systems for performing the various processes.

A method of manufacturing a flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlling for an effective pore size using removable pore-forming substances and physically incorporated, non-leaching antimicrobials. A flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlled for an effective pore size composited physically incorporated, high-surface area, non-leaching antimicrobials, optionally in which the physically incorporated non-leaching antimicrobial exposes nanopillars on its surface to enhance antimicrobial activity. A kit that enhances the effectiveness of the intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite by storing the composite within an antimicrobial container.

A method of manufacturing a flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlling for an effective pore size using removable pore-forming substances and physically incorporated, non-leaching antimicrobials. A flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlled for an effective pore size composited physically incorporated, high-surface area, non-leaching antimicrobials, optionally in which the physically incorporated non-leaching antimicrobial exposes nanopillars on its surface to enhance antimicrobial activity. A kit that enhances the effectiveness of the intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite by storing the composite within an antimicrobial container.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for methods of detecting, sensors (e.g., chromogenic sensor), kits, compositions, and the like that related to or use tunable macroporous polymer. In an aspect, tunable macroporous materials as described herein can be used to determine the presence of a certain type(s) and quantity of liquid in a liquid mixture.