A method for preparing a highly porous, high surface area non-degradable material includes the steps of mixing a non-degradable polymer with a solvent or mixture of solvents; gelling the mixture; and treating the gel under conditions whereby a substantially solvent free porous structure is created having a porosity greater than about 80%. The resultant material is mechanically strong and has an architecture including at least one of nano fibrous, micro fibrous, non fibrous, complex porous structure with nano fibrous architecture, and mixtures thereof.