Sponges
based on short electrospun fibers have received significant
attention due to their ultrahigh porosity, lightweight, and multifunctional
characteristics. In particular, polyimide (PI) sponges have been researched
due to their exceptional mechanical properties and thermal stability.
Nevertheless, a number of sponges, including PI, are usually hydrophobic
and synthesized in toxic, nonwater solvents (e.g., 1,4-dioxane). Conversely,
hydrophilic sponges disintegrate upon contact with water. Here, we
suggest a new strategy to fabricate PI sponges in water by introducing
a suitable surfactant, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) (sPI
sponges). With less than 1 wt % of SDBS with respect to PI short fibers,
they can be homogeneously dispersed in water and mixed well with poly(amic
acid) (PAA) solution. The synthesized sponge, depending on the concentration
of SDBS, showed hydrophilic properties and substantial water uptake
above 5000%. The hydrophilic properties of the sponges, which are
not common, and the preparation from aqueous solution introduce new
research opportunities. Such hydrophilic sponges are particularly
special because they do not swell in contact with water, which makes
them dimensionally stable. The methods presented here can serve as
a milestone for the future development of various kinds of hydrophilic
sponges applied for various applications, ranging from tissue engineering
to oil/water separation.