Template synthesis of porous organic polymers

This review describes the possibilities of using templates to create organic polymer networks with new architectures and functionalities. Examples are given for the whole range of templates starting from functional organic molecules (molecular imprinting) to organized arrays of solid colloids (colloidal imprinting) up to micelles, microemulsions and lyotropic phases (self-organized templates), whereas classical thermodynamic techniques like addition of structural cosolvents or gelation during precipitation polymerization, are not considered. Also some examples for potential applications of the discussed porous polymer gels are presented. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.