Surface-Controlled Selective Polymer Replacement and Enhanced Sorption and Stability under Nanoconfinement

The work uses tightly packed silica nanoparticles to study how nanoscale confinement and surface effects influence polymers. It examines polymer replacement, molecular sorption, and material stability. Stepwise infiltration shows one polymer can replace another selectively and directionally, depending on surface affinity and pore access. Under severe confinement, small molecules dissolve more readily in nonpolar polymers, and water-soluble polymers can resist water; retention depends on pore size and pH. Catalytic degradation tests ask whether silica can lessen interference from a second polymer and maintain polyethylene conversion in mixed feeds. Initial experiments explore selective infiltration from polymer blends and greater carbon dioxide uptake in confined mixtures. Findings link interfacial access, surface chemistry, and confinement to separation, coatings, gas capture, recycling.