The self-organized Materials for Nanotechnology has discovered a new procedure for rendering nanoporous polymers by selectively removing silicone from silicone-containing block copolymers.

The groups research is carried out in close collaboration with the Danish Polymer Center at DTU Chemical Engineering.

Headed by Senior Researcher Sokol Ndoni.

The nanoporous theme has developed around two focus research areas. The mapping of possible physico-chemical states of nanoporous polymers constitutes the first area, while the second area addresses possible applications of the materials. Realizing nanoporous polymers of varying structure, rigidity and surface chemistry have been typical activities of the first kind; typical activities of the second kind have been investigating the application of the materials as ultrafiltration

membranes, as simultaneous filters & waveguides or as controlled delivery systems. At present the research barycenter is shifting from the first towards the second area. Expertises covered in the nanoporous group comprise controlled polymerization techniques, electron microscopy, small angle x-ray scattering, rheology and liquid chromatography. The polymeric materials developed by the group offer the very attractive possibility to combine self-organization (bottom-up) with

micro and nanofabrication (top-down), the last being the traditional strength of DTU Nanotech. This combination is the bearing principle for the present efforts of the group to create liquid core waveguides for diagnostics applications. Successful preliminary results in using nanoporous polymers as templates for macromolecules, conductors (metals, polymers) and semiconductors have created the basis for expanded activities in this field in the near future.