Synthesis of MWCNT-Based Hyper-Cross-Linked Polymers with Thickness-Tunable Organic Porous Layers

Using a simple, versatile, and flexible, low-cost, and high-efficient solvent knitting method, we report the synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) based hyper-cross-linked polymers (HCPs). The composite materials combine the special 1D linear morphology and excellent mechanical properties of MWCNTs with high specific surface area and abundant pore structure characteristics of HCPs. Compared with pristine MWCNTs, the MWCNT-based HCPs exhibit higher surface area and significant enhancement in gas (such as CO2 and H-2) uptake capacities that shows their potential applications in gas adsorption and storage. Moreover, the thickness of porous HCP layers, which wrap around MWCNTs can be tuned by controlling the amount of monomer used, and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and gas adsorption capacities are also adjustable. These findings show the potential applications of 1D carbon nanotube-based HCP composite materials in gas uptake and storage.