A pH‐ and Light‐Responsive Nanoporous Lyotropic Gyroid Polymer Network

Abstract Bicontinuous cubic (Q) lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC)‐derived polymer networks possess periodic, uniform‐size, 3D‐interconnected nanopores that make them highly desirable organic materials for selective molecular separation and uptake applications. To date, there are no reported examples of a Q‐phase network with additional functional properties, such as catalytic reactivity, response to external stimuli, or gated transport, would expand the usefulness this class porous materials. Here, functionalized gyroid‐type Q material can be used potential transport adaptive applications is presented. This contains novel spiropyran‐containing dopant monomer upon blending cross‐linking gyroid‐forming LLC monomer, yields gyroid retains its phase architecture while reversibly responding changes in solution vapor pH. Studies also demonstrate system capable strongly binding aq. Pb 2+ ions when activated by UV light, allowing it function colorimetric sorbent gated‐response material.