One-Step Fabrication of an Ambient-Curable Hierarchical Porous Composite via Synergistic Emulsion Stabilization,...

Integrating metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into polymerized high internal phase emulsions (PolyHIPEs) significantly increases the specific surface area and enhances functionalities such as adsorption and catalytic capabilities. However, most existing MOF@PolyHIPE composites face challenges, such as poor water resistance, low mechanical strength, and complex synthesis processes. Herein, we present a one-step water-in-oil (W/O) high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) strategy to fabricate hierarchical porous ZnO@ZIF-8@PolyHIPE composites with tunable micro/macropores and uniformly distributed ZIF-8. A molecularly engineered ambient-curable amphiphilic copolymer containing acetoacetoxy groups enables ambient-condition dual cross-linking (chemical/ionic), achieving rapid curing and robust mechanical properties with a Young's modulus of 2.21 MPa at a low density of 95 mg/cm³. ZnO nanoparticles play three synergistic roles: stabilizing HIPE interfaces, cross-linking copolymers to enhance structural integrity, and acting as zinc sources for in situ ZIF-8 growth. The optimized composite exhibits a large BET surface area of 229.8 m²/g compared to those of ZnO@ZIF-8@PolyHIPE composites, exceptional iodine adsorption capacity, and scalable processability. This work provides a versatile platform for designing hierarchical multifunctional materials for adsorption, catalysis, and separation applications.