Functionalized Porous Polymer Networks (PPNs) exhibiting favourable characteristics such as high surface area and gas uptake properties are disclosed, including methods of making such networks. A method of preparing a porous polymer network, comprising: (a) a step of homo-coupling a monomer in the presence of 2,2-bipyridyl, 1,5-cycloocta-1,5-diene, a mixed solvent of DMF/THF and a compound or mixture selected from the group consisting of bis(1,5-cydoocta-1,5-diene)nickel(0), Ni(PPH3) 4, and Zn/NiCI2/NaBr/PPH3 at a temperature in the range of 20 to 40 C. These stable PPNs may be useful in the context of carbon capture, gas storage and separation, and as supports for catalysts.
