Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and materials useful for depolymerizing a polymer. In one embodiment, for example, the disclosure provides a method for depolymerizing a polymer containing electrophilic linkages, wherein the method comprises contacting the polymer with a nucleophilic reagent in the presence of a guanidine-containing compound. The methods and materials of the disclosure find utility, for example, in the field of waste reclamation and recycling.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for modifying one or more properties of porous thin films. In such methods, a formulation comprising a reactive species is applied to the porous thin film and allowed to crosslink. In some embodiments, the crosslinked network thus formed imparts increased mechanical strength and wear resistance to the porous thin films.

Abstract: Substantially or roughly spherical micellar structures useful in the formation of nanoporous materials by templating are disclosed. A roughly spherical micellar structure is formed by organization of one or more spatially unsymmetric organic amphiphilic molecules. Each of those molecules comprises a branched moiety and a second moiety. The branched moiety can form part of either the core or the surface of the spherical micellar structure, depending on the polarity of the environment. The roughly spherical micellar structures form in a thermosetting polymer matrix. They are employed in a templating process whereby the amphiphilic molecules are dispersed in the polymer matrix, the matrix is cured, and the porogens are then removed, leaving nanoscale pores.