Surface-macroporous polystyrene with sub-micrometer (250～400 nm) pores and a surface thickness of 10 μm has been synthesized using a maleic anhydride-alt-vinyl acetate copolymer microspheres as template

followed by removal of the template with water

ethanol or acetone.The surface features of the samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).The SEM micrographs indicate that macroporous PS can be prepared in each case

with use of water as the template's solvent having the smallest adverse effect on the polymer.The functional groups present on the surface of pores after the template was dissolved are different in each case and have been identified by FTIR

dissolution of template in water gives rise to carboxyl groups

dissolution of template in ethanol gives rise to ester groups whilst dissolution of template in acetone gives acid anhydride groups.The rate of template dissolving is fastest in acetone and slowest in water.