Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) are a unique class of microporous material developed by research efforts led by Neil McKeown, Peter Budd, et al.[1] PIMs contain a continuous network of interconnected intermolecular voids less than 2 nm in width.
Classified as a porous organic polymer, PIMs generate porosity from their rigid and contorted macromolecular chains that do not efficiently pack in the solid state.
[3] Three main types of polymerization reactions have been successfully used to prepare PIMs of sufficient mass to form self-standing films.
[5] This allows PIMs to be precipitated or cast from solution to give microporous powders or self-standing films that are useful for a variety of applications.
Specifically active areas of PIM membrane research include, enhancing permeability, decreasing aging, and tailoring selectivity.