Accessibility of the gel phase in macroporous network polymers: A comparison of the fluorescence probe and inverse steric exclusion chromatography techniques

Two independent methods of analysis were employed to evaluate accessibility of the gel phase in macroporous network polymers. Fluorescence probes, covalented incorporated into the gel during polymerization, can provide a qualitative assessment of accessible surface area from an analysis of the solvatochromic shift of fluorescence emission. These findings are corroborated by inverse steric exclusion chromatography (ISEC). The data permits quantification of the polymers surface character in the solvated state. The results call attention to the inadequacy of dry surface area technique (e.g., BET analysis) in providing information of this type.