Miniaturized catalysis: monolithic, highly porous, large surface area capillary flow reactors constructed in situ from polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS)

A single-step molding process utilizing free-radical cross-linking reaction of vinyl POSS in microliter-sized dimensions leads to hierarchically-structured, mechanically robust, porous hybrid structures. Functional variants show excellent performance in Suzuki-type coupling reactions. Due to their small volume, long-term operational robustness, and potential chemical diversity, these materials are promising candidates for catalyst screening applications.