Hexamethylenetetramine multiple catalysis as a porosity and pore size modifier in carbon cryogels

Abstract Hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) base catalysis is used to control the porosity and pore size of resorcinol furaldehyde cryogels synthesized in tert-butanol. While HMTA produces ammonia and formaldehyde in aqueous media, other carbon–nitrogen molecular units are possible in non-aqueous solvents. The results suggest that at least two paths are possible from this decomposition, a reactive catalyst in pure tert-butanol or a base like catalyst in an aqueous mix. Due to the catalytic effect under high catalysis in tert-butanol the samples promoted high macroporosity > 70%, reduced shrinkage