Colyliform Crystalline 2D Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) with Quasi-3D Topologies for Rapid I2 Adsorption

Constructing three-dimensional (3D) structural characteristics on two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is a good approach to effectively improve the permeability and mass transfer rate of the materials and realize the rapid adsorption for guest molecules, while avoiding the high cost and monomer scarcity in preparing 3D COFs. Herein, we report for the first time a series of colyliform crystalline 2D COFs with quasi-three-dimensional (Q-3D) topologies, consisting of unique “stereoscopic” triangular pores, large interlayer spacings and flexible constitutional units which makes the pores elastic and self-adaptable for the guest transmission. The as-prepared QTD-COFs have a faster adsorption rate (2.51 g h⁻¹) for iodine than traditional 2D COFs, with an unprecedented maximum adsorption capacity of 6.29 g g⁻¹. The excellent adsorption performance, as well as the prominent irradiation stability allow the QTD-COFs to be applied for the rapid removal of radioactive iodine.     

A Two-dimensional Covalent Organic Framework for Iodine Adsorption

Radioactive iodine is a notorious pollutant in gas radioactive nuclear waste due to its radiation hazard, volatility, chemical toxicity, and high mobility. Therefore, developing a material with high efficiency-specific iodine capture is significant. Covalent organic framework(COF) has attracted significant attention as a new crystalline porous organic material. Due to its large specific surface and high chemical stability, it is an excellent alternative to adsorbents. Herein, we report a chemically stable two-dimensional COF(termed JUC-609) with specific adsorption of iodine. Adsorption experiments show that JUC-609 has an excellent iodine adsorption capacity as high as 5.9 g/g under 353 K and normal pressure condition, and iodine adsorption after multiple cycles is still maintained. Our study thus promotes the potential application of COFs in the field of environment-related applications.     

Postsynthetic Functionalization of Three‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks for Selective Extraction of Lanthanide Ions

Chemical functionalization of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is critical for tuning their properties and broadening their potential applications. However, the introduction of functional groups, especially to three‐dimensional (3D) COFs, still remains largely unexplored. Reported here is a general strategy for generating a 3D carboxy‐functionalized COF through postsynthetic modification of a hydroxy‐functionalized COF, and for the first time exploration of the 3D carboxy‐functionalized COF in the selective extraction of lanthanide ions. The obtained COF shows high crystallinity, good chemical stability, and large specific surface area. Furthermore, the carboxy‐functionalized COF displays high metal loading capacities together with excellent adsorption selectivity for Nd³⁺ over Sr²⁺ and Fe³⁺ as confirmed by the Langmuir adsorption isotherms and ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) calculations. This study not only provides a strategy for versatile functionalization of 3D COFs, but also opens a way to their use in environmentally related applications.     

Adsorption Properties of Hydrated Cr3+ Ions on Schiff‐base Covalent Organic Frameworks: A DFT Study

Considering the superior physiochemical property, increasing efforts have been devoted to exploiting the covalent organic frameworks (COFs) materials on the environmental remediation of heavy metal ions. Water pollution caused by Cr³⁺ metal ions is of special concern for scientists and engineers. Notwithstanding all the former efforts made, it is surprising that very little is known about the interaction mechanisms between the hydrated Cr³⁺ metal ions and COF materials. In present context, density functional theory (DFT) method is used to elucidate geometric and electronic properties with the purpose of putting into theoretical perspective the application values and interaction mechanisms for COF materials on Cr³⁺ capture. The results showed that all the five selected Schiff‐base COFs materials displayed good adsorption performance on Cr³⁺ removal while the phenazine‐linked and imine‐COFs possessed the most favorable adsorption capacity due to the optimal chemical units and frameworks. The hydration effect was found to play a two‐side role in the adsorption process and interaction mechanisms, involving coordination, hydrogen bonds, as well as weak non‐covalent interactions, have been illuminated to explain the observed different adsorption behaviors. This study provides a general guidance for the design and selection of efficient COF materials as high‐capacity Cr³⁺ adsorbents.     

Covalent Organic Frameworks as Favorable Constructs for Photodynamic Therapy

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with 2D π‐conjugation were designed and synthesized as molecular photosensitizers for efficient photodynamic therapy. Two molecules, 5′,5′′′′‐(1,4‐phenylene)bis(([1,1′:3′,1′′‐terphenyl]‐4,4′′‐dicarbaldehyde)) (L‐3C) and 4,4′,4′′‐(1,4‐phenylene)bis(([2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine]‐5,5′′‐dicarbaldehyde)) (L‐3N), inactive to generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), were linked to form two COFs, COF‐808 and COF‐909, respectively, exhibiting excellent ROS production efficiency. The high permanent porosity of these COFs (surface areas 2270 and 2610 m² g^?1) promoted diffusion of both oxygen and release of ROS in cells. This, combined with the excellent photostability and biocompatibility, led to excellent PDT performance. In vitro, over 80 % of tumor cells were killed after PDT treatment using COF‐909 at the concentration of 50 μg mL^?1 for 150 s. In vivo, drastic reduction of tumor size was observed (from 9 mm to less than 1 mm) after 10 day treatment.     

Maximizing Electroactive Sites in a Three-Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework for Significantly Improved Carbon Dioxide Reduction Electrocatalysis

Synthesis of functional 3D COFs with irreversible bond is challenging. Herein, 3D imide-bonded COFs were constructed via the imidization reaction between phthalocyanine-based tetraanhydride and 1,3,5,7-tetra(4-aminophenyl)adamantine. These two 3D COFs are made up of interpenetrated pts networks according to powder X-ray diffraction and gas adsorption analyses. CoPc-PI-COF-3 doped with carbon black has been employed to fabricate the electrocatalytic cathode towards CO₂ reduction reaction within KHCO₃ aqueous solution, displaying the Faradaic efficiency of 88–96 % for the CO₂-to-CO conversion at the voltage range of ca. ?0.60 to ?1.00 V (vs. RHE). In particular, the 3D porous structure of CoPc-PI-COF-3 enables the active electrocatalytic centers occupying 32.7 % of total cobalt-phthalocyanine subunits, thus giving a large current density (j_CO) of ?31.7 mA cm^?2 at ?0.90 V. These two parameters are significantly improved than the excellent 2D COF analogue (CoPc-PI-COF-1, 5.1 % and ?21.2 mA cm^?2).     

Tetrathiafulvalene-based covalent organic frameworks for ultrahigh iodine capture

To safeguard the development of nuclear energy, practical techniques for capture and storage of radioiodine are of critical importance but remain a significant challenge. Here we report the synergistic effect of physical and chemical adsorption of iodine in tetrathiafulvalene-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs), which can markedly improve both iodine adsorption capacity and adsorption kinetics due to their strong interaction. These functionalized architectures are designed to have high specific surface areas (up to 2359 m² g⁻¹) for efficient physisorption of iodine, and abundant tetrathiafulvalene functional groups for strong chemisorption of iodine. We demonstrate that these frameworks achieve excellent iodine adsorption capacity (up to 8.19 g g⁻¹), which is much higher than those of other materials reported so far, including silver-doped adsorbents, inorganic porous materials, metal–organic frameworks, porous organic frameworks, and other COFs. Furthermore, a combined theoretical and experimental study, including DFT calculations, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, reveals the strong chemical interaction between iodine and the frameworks of the materials. Our study thus opens an avenue to construct functional COFs for a critical environment-related application.

The synergistic effect of physical and chemical adsorption of iodine in tetrathiafulvalene-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) has been explored. The iodine adsorption capacity of these materials is higher than other materials reported so far.     

A Two-dimensional Dual-pore Covalent Organic Framework for Efficient Iodine Capture

Effectively capturing volatile radioiodine generated during the nuclear fission process is considered to be a safe way to the utilization of nuclear power. Here we report a new two-dimensional covalent organic framework(2D COF), ETTA-PyTTA-COF, as a highly efficient iodine adsorbent, which is constructed through the condensation reaction between 4,4’,4’’,4’’’-(ethene-1,1,2,2-tetrayl)-tetrabenzaldehyde(ETTA) and 1,3,6,8-tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)pyrene(PyTTA). The ETTA-PyTTA-COF possesses a permanent 1D channel porous structure with a high Brunauer-Emmet-Teller(BET) surface area of 1519 m²/g and excellent chemical and thermal stability. It shows ultrahigh iodine adsorption capability, which can reach up to 4.6 g/g in vapor owing to its high BET surface area, large π-conjugated structure and plenty of imine groups in the skeleton of the COF as effective iodine sorption sites.     

Three-dimensional microporous and mesoporous covalent organic frameworks based on cubic building units

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have attracted extensive interest due to their unique structures and various applications. However, structural diversities are still limited, which greatly restricts the development of COF materials. Herein, we report two unusual cubic (8-connected) building units and their derived 3D imine-linked COFs with bcu nets, JUC-588 and JUC-589. Owing to these unique building blocks with different sizes, the obtained COFs can be tuned to be microporous or mesoporous structures with high surface areas (2728 m² g⁻¹ for JUC-588 and 2482 m² g⁻¹ for JUC-589) and promising thermal and chemical stabilities. Furthermore, the high selectivity of CO₂/N₂ and CO₂/CH₄, excellent H₂ uptakes, and efficient dye adsorption are observed. This research thus provides a general strategy for constructing stable 3D COF architectures with adjustable pores via improving the valency of rigid building blocks.

Two unusual cubic (8-connected) building units and their derived 3D imine-linked COFs based on bcu nets have been designed and synthesized, which demonstrates highly crystalline structures, excellent surface areas, and large pore sizes.     

Covalent organic frameworks with imine proton acceptors for efficient photocatalytic H2 production

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are promising crystalline materials for the light-driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to their tunable chemical structures and energy band gaps. However, deeply understanding corresponding mechanism is still challenging due to the multiple components and complicated electron transfer and reduction paths involved in photocatalytic HER. Here, the photocatalytic HER investigation has been reported based on three COFs catalysts, 1–3, which are prepared by benzo[1,2-b:3,4-b':5,6-b']trithiophene-2,5,8-trialdehyde to react with C₃ symmetric triamines including tris(4-aminophenyl)amine, 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl)benzene, and (1,3,5-tris-(4-aminophenyl)triazine, respectively. As the isostructural hexagonal honeycomb-type COF of 2 and 3 reported previously, the crystal structure of 1 has been carefully correlated through the powder X-ray diffraction study with the help of theoretical simulations. 1 shows highly porous framework with Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of 1249 m²/g. Moreover, the introduction of ascorbic acid into the photocatalytic system of COFs achieves the hydrogen evolution rate of 3.75, 12.16 and 20.2 mmol g^–1 h^–1 for 1–3, respectively. The important role of ascorbic acid in photocatalysis of HER is disclosed to protonate the imine linkages of these COFs, leading to the obvious absorbance red-shift and the improved charge separation efficiency together with reduced resistance in contrast to pristine materials according to the spectroscopic and electronic characterizations. These innovations of chemical and physical properties for these COFs are responsible for their excellent photocatalytic performance. These results elucidate that tiny modifications of COFs structures is able to greatly tune their band structures as well as catalytic properties, therefore providing an available approach for optimizing COFs functionalities.     

CO2 Capture by Hydroxylated Azine-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) RIO-13, RIO-12, RIO-11, and RIO-11m were investigated towards their CO₂ capture properties by thermogravimetric analysis at 1 atm and 40 °C. These microporous COFs bear in common the azine backbone composed of hydroxy-benzene moieties but differ in the relative number of hydroxyl groups present in each material. Thus, their sorption capacities were studied as a function of their textural and chemical properties. Their maximum CO₂ uptake values showed a strong correlation with an increasing specific surface area, but that property alone could not fully explain the CO₂ uptake data. Hence, the specific CO₂ uptake, combined with DFT calculations, indicated that the relative number of hydroxyl groups in the COF backbone acts as an adsorption threshold, as the hydroxyl groups were indeed identified as relevant adsorption sites in all the studied COFs. Additionally, the best performing COF was thoroughly investigated, experimentally and theoretically, for its CO₂ capture properties in a variety of CO₂ concentrations and temperatures, and showed excellent isothermal recyclability up to 3 cycles.     

Porous Covalent Organic Framework Based Hydrogen-Bond Nanotrap for the Precise Recognition and Separation of Gold

Utilizing weak interactions to effectively recover and separate precious metals in solution is of great importance but the practice remains a challenge. Herein, we report a novel strategy to achieve precise recognition and separation of gold by regulating the hydrogen-bond (H-bond) nanotrap within the pore of covalent organic frameworks (COFs). It is found that both COF-HNU25 and COF-HNU26 can efficiently capture Au^III with fast kinetics, high selectivity, and uptake capacity. In particular, the COF-HNU25 with the high density of H-bond nanotraps exhibits an excellent gold uptake capacity of 1725 mg g⁻¹, which is significantly higher than that (219 mg g⁻¹) of its isostructural COF (COF-42) without H-bond nanostrap in the pores. Importantly, the uptake capacity is strongly correlated to the number of H-bonds between phenolic OH in the COF and [AuCl₄]⁻ in water, and multiple H-bond interactions are the key driving force for the excellent gold recovery and reusability of the adsorbent.     

Nanoparticle Size-Fractionation through Self-Standing Porous Covalent Organic Framework Films

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have attracted attention due to their ordered pores leading to important industrial applications like storage and separation. Combined with their modular synthesis and pore engineering, COFs could become ideal candidates for nanoseparations. However, the fabrication of these microcrystalline powders as continuous, crack-free, robust films remains a challenge. Herein, we report a simple, slow annealing strategy to construct centimeter-scale COF films ( Tp-Azo and Tp-TTA ) with micrometer thickness. The as-synthesized films are porous (SA_BET=2033 m² g⁻¹ for Tp-Azo ) and chemically stable. These COFs have distinct size cut-offs (ca. 2.7 and ca. 1.6 nm for Tp-Azo and Tp-TTA , respectively), which allow the size-selective separation of gold nanoparticles. Unlike, other conventional membranes, the durable structure of the COF films allow for excellent recyclability (up to 4 consecutive cycles) and easy recovery of the gold nanoparticles from the solution.     

Positively charged covalent organic framework and its application in the dispersive solid-phase extraction of ultraviolet-filters from food packaging material migrants

Abstract

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) show excellent property, such as high porosity and excellent structure stability and were well applied in fields such as catalysis and adsorption, but most of the COFs showed similar structure and thus similar adsorption performance. Modification of simple COFs to enhance its adsorption performance in separation technique is an important issue. In this study, quaternary ammonium groups with long hydrophobic chain were introduced into a simple COF (TpPa-1) for the first time. The positively charged COF (PC-TpPa-1) can form electrostatic interaction and hydrophobic effect with negatively charged analytes, and showed good adsorption performance for ultraviolet-filters (UV filters). Under the optimum conditions, i.e. adsorbent amount 20?mg, pH?=?7, 1.0?mL acetonitrile as eluent, the obtained recoveries for all UV filters were in the range of 86.4–96.7%.The developed method was successfully applied to the determination of UV filters from food packaging material migrants with the aid of HPLC as a detector.     

An Azine‐Linked Covalent Organic Framework: Synthesis,Characterization and Efficient Gas Storage

A azine‐linked covalent organic framework, COF‐JLU2, was designed and synthesized by condensation of hydrazine hydrate and 1,3,5‐triformylphloroglucinol under solvothermal conditions for the first time. The new covalent organic framework material combines permanent micropores, high crystallinity, good thermal and chemical stability, and abundant heteroatom activated sites in the skeleton. COF‐JLU2 possesses a moderate BET surface area of over 410 m² g^?1 with a pore volume of 0.56 cm³ g^?1. Specifically, COF‐JLU2 displays remarkable carbon dioxide uptake (up to 217 mg g^?1) and methane uptake (38 mg g^?1) at 273 K and 1 bar, as well as high CO₂/N₂ (77) selectivity. Furthermore, we further highlight that it exhibits a higher hydrogen storage capacity (16 mg g^?1) than those of reported COFs at 77 K and 1 bar.     

sp2 carbon-conjugated covalent organic frameworks for efficient photocatalytic degradation and visualized pH detection

The design and fabrication of versatile covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with multiple properties for diverse applications is highly desirable. Here, the difunctional COFs material g–C₁₈N₃–COF was prepared and modified to be applied for efficient photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and pH detection, respectively. Owing to the triazine unit which was suitable for photocatalyst construction, g–C₁₈N₃–COF was sensitive to visible light and exhibited excellent photocatalysis capability toward RhB. Specially, the photocatalytic degradation of RhB with a high concentration of 300 ppm using g–C₁₈N₃–COF reached equilibrium within 6 h. Moreover, g–C₁₈N₃–COF was further grown in-situ onto the filter paper to generate a novel composite material g–C₁₈N₃–COF@Paper with bright yellow fluorescence. g–C₁₈N₃–COF@Paper could visualize the pH detection by remarkable changes in its fluorescent intensity and color in the range of pH value from 1 to 5, on account of the protonation of the nitrogen atoms from the triazine ring in g–C₁₈N₃–COF. The triazine-based sp² carbon-conjugated g–C₁₈N₃–COF, respectively, used as photocatalyst and sensor in this work offers a new strategy to construct the versatile COFs material, facilitating the application of functional COFs in the environmental protection field.     

Experimental and theoretical insights into copper phthalocyanine-based covalent organic frameworks for highly efficient radioactive iodine capture

Exploring efficient materials for capturing radioactive iodine in nuclear waste is of great significance for the progress of nuclear energy as well as the protection of ecological environment. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising adsorbents because of their predesignable and functionalizable skeleton structures. However, it remains a grand challenge to achieve large scale preparation of COFs. In this work, we developed a mild and efficient microwave irradiation method instead of the traditional solvothermal method to prepare copper phthalocyanine-based covalent organic frameworks (Cu_xPc-COFs) within only 15 min. The nitrogen-rich 1,2,4,5-tetracarbonitrilebenzene (TCNB) was selected as the solely organic ligand to construct copper phthalocyanine-based 2D conjugated COFs. The resultant Cu_xPc-COFs exhibited excellent iodine enrichment with 2.99 g/g for volatile iodine and 492.27 mg/g for iodine-cyclohexane solution, respectively, outperforming that of many porous materials. As indicated by spectroscopic analysis and DFT calculations, this impressive adsorption performance can be attributed to the charge transfer arising from nitrogen-rich phthalocyanine structures and electron-rich π-conjugated systems with iodine molecules. Moreover, the strong electrostatic interaction between Cu(II) on chelate centers and polyiodide anions (I_x^?) also play an important role in the firmly trapping radioactive iodine. Therefore, this study provides a facile and intelligent approach to implement metal-based COFs for the remediation of toxic radioactive iodine.     

Ag Nanoparticles Supported on a Resorcinol‐Phenylenediamine‐Based Covalent Organic Framework for Chemical Fixation of CO2

Covalent organic frameworks are a new class of crystalline organic polymers possessing a high surface area and ordered pores. Judicious selection of building blocks leads to strategic heteroatom inclusion into the COF structure. Owing to their high surface area, exceptional stability and molecular tunability, COFs are adopted for various potential applications. The heteroatoms lining in the pores of COF favor synergistic host–guest interaction to enhance a targeted property. In this report, we have synthesized a resorcinol‐phenylenediamine‐based COF which selectively adsorbs CO₂ into its micropores (12 Å). The heat of adsorption value (32 kJ mol^?1) obtained from the virial model at zero‐loading of CO₂ indicates its favorable interaction with the framework. Furthermore, we have anchored small‐sized Ag nanoparticles (≈4–5 nm) on the COF and used the composite for chemical fixation of CO₂ to alkylidene cyclic carbonates by reacting with propargyl alcohols under ambient conditions. Ag@COF catalyzes the reaction selectively with an excellent yield of 90 %. Recyclability of the catalyst has been demonstrated up to five consecutive cycles. The post‐catalysis characterizations reveal the integrity of the catalyst even after five reaction cycles. This study emphasizes the ability of COF for simultaneous adsorption and chemical fixation of CO₂ into corresponding cyclic carbonates.     

High‐Flux Membranes Based on the Covalent Organic Framework COF‐LZU1 for Selective Dye Separation by Nanofiltration

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are attractive candidates for advanced water‐treatment membranes owing to their high porosity and well‐organized channel structures. Herein, the continuous two‐dimensional imine‐linked COF‐LZU1 membrane with a thickness of only 400 nm was prepared on alumina tubes by in situ solvothermal synthesis. The membrane shows excellent water permeance (ca. 760 L m^?2 h^?1 MPa^?1) and favorable rejection rates exceeding 90 % for water‐soluble dyes larger than 1.2 nm. The water permeance through the COF‐LZU1 membrane is much higher than that of most membranes with similar rejection rates. Long‐time operation demonstrates the outstanding stability of the COF‐LZU1 membrane. As the membrane has no selectivity for hydrated salt ions (selectivity <12 %), it is also suitable for the purification of dye products from saline solutions. The excellent performance and the outstanding water stability render the COF‐LZU1 membrane an interesting system for water purification.     

Designed Synthesis of a 2D Porphyrin‐Based sp2 Carbon‐Conjugated Covalent Organic Framework for Heterogeneous Photocatalysis

The construction of stable covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for various applications is highly desirable. Herein, we report the synthesis of a novel two‐dimensional (2D) porphyrin‐based sp² carbon‐conjugated COF (Por‐sp²c‐COF), which adopts an eclipsed AA stacking structure with a Brunauer—Emmett—Teller surface area of 689 m² g^?1. Owing to the C=C linkages, Por‐sp²c‐COF shows a high chemical stability under various conditions, even under harsh conditions such as 9 m HCl and 9 m NaOH solutions. Interestingly, Por‐sp²c‐COF can be used as a metal‐free heterogeneous photocatalyst for the visible‐light‐induced aerobic oxidation of amines to imines. More importantly, in comparison to imine‐linked Por‐COF, the inherent structure of Por‐sp²c‐COF equips it with several advantages as a photocatalyst, including reusability and high photocatalytic performance. This clearly demonstrates that sp² carbon‐linked 2D COFs can provide an interesting platform for heterogeneous photocatalysis.