FFC-NMR techniques for assessing the texture features of nanosponges

Nanosponges (NSs), i.e. hyper cross linked polymeric materials obtained by reticulating cyclodextrin units with suitable linker units, constitute an emerging class of functional materials, due to their easy synthesis and chemical modification, and to their tunable absorption and controlled release abilities as well. NSs are supposed to possess a thick network of nanochannels in their highly disordered structure. However, their textural features (average pore size, specific surface and specific pore volume) are quite difficult to estimate, and classical evaluation methodologies (N2 absorption isotherms analyzed by BET or BJH methods, or dye absorption isotherms1) have afforded questionable r…