Emulsion-templated polymers: Contemporary contemplations

Emulsion-templated porous polymers (polyHIPEs) with highly interconnected voids that range from a few micrometers to hundreds of micrometers are typically synthesized within the external phases of high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), emulsions containing more than 74% internal phase. Recent advances in emulsion-templated polymers include new developments in HIPE formation, polymerization chemistries, macromolecular structures, crosslinking strategies, porous architectures, and surface functionalization. This article focuses upon emulsion-templated polymers through the prism of the research and development work in our laboratory. The innovative emulsion-templated systems described include shape-memory polymers, encapsulation systems, hydrogels, and porous carbons. This article also briefly reviews recent work in the field and draws some conclusions regarding trends and future directions. The abundance of diverse and disparate research directions pursued under the banner of emulsion templating is indicative of its high degree of versatility. Novel families of porous polymers with unique properties can now be devised and designed through the advances described herein. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.