Enhanced Energy Transfer in A π-Conjugated Covalent Organic Framework Facilitates Excited-State Nickel Catalysis

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have received broad interest owing to their permanent porosity, high stability, and tunable functionalities. COFs with long-range π-conjugation and photosensitizing building blocks have been explored for sustainable photocatalysis. Herein, we report the first example of COF-based energy transfer Ni catalysis. A pyrene-based COF with sp² carbon-conjugation was synthesized and used to coordinate Ni^II centers through bipyridine moieties. Under light irradiation, enhanced energy transfer in the COF facilitated the excitation of Ni centers to catalyze borylation and trifluoromethylation reactions of aryl halides. The COF showed two orders of magnitude higher efficiency in these reactions than its homogeneous control and could be recovered and reused without significant loss of catalytic activity.

Immobilization of Ionic Liquid on a Covalent Organic Framework for Effectively Catalyzing Cycloaddition of CO2 to Epoxides

Transforming CO2 into value-added chemicals has been an important subject in recent years. The development of a novel heterogeneous catalyst for highly effective CO2 conversion still remains a great challenge. As an emerging class of porous organic polymers, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have exhibited superior potential as catalysts for various chemical reactions, due to their unique structure and properties. In this study, a layered two-dimensional (2D) COF, IM4F-Py-COF, was prepared through a three-component condensation reaction. Benzimidazole moiety, as an ionic liquid precursor, was integrated onto the skeleton of the COF using a benzimidazole-containing building unit. Ionization of the benzimidazole framework was then achieved through quaternization with 1-bromobutane to produce an ionic liquid-immobilized COF, i.e., BMIM4F-Py-COF. The resulting ionic COF shows excellent catalytic activity in promoting the chemical fixation of CO2 via reaction with epoxides under solvent-free and co-catalyst-free conditions. High porosity, the one-dimensional (1D) open-channel structure of the COF and the high catalytic activity of ionic liquid may contribute to the excellent catalytic performance. Moreover, the COF catalyst could be reused at least five times without significant loss of its catalytic activity.

Covalent Organic Frameworks-Based Membranes as Promising Modalities from Preparation to Separation Applications: An Overview

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a promising class of porous crystalline materials made up of covalently connected and periodically protracted network topologies through organic linkers. The tailorability of organic linker and intrinsic structures endow COFs with a tunable porosity and structure, low density, facilely-tailored functionality, and large surface area, attracting increasing amount of interests in variety of research areas of membrane separations. COF-based membranes have spawned a slew of new research projects, ranging from fabrication methodologies to separation applications. Herein, we tried to emphasis the major developments in the synthetic approaches of COFs based membranes for a variety of separation applications such as, separation of gaseous mixtures, water treatment as well as separation of isomeric and chiral organic compounds. The proposed methods for fabricating COF-based continuous membranes and columns for real world applications are also thoroughly explored. Finally, a viewpoint on the future directions and remaining challenges for COF research in the area of separation is provided.

1,6-Anthrazoline-Linked π-Conjugated Macrocycles and Two-Dimensional Polymer via Friedländer Synthesis

Synthesis of π-conjugated crystalline two-dimensional (2D) polymers remains largely unexplored due to limited synthetic methodology. Herein, we report the preparation of a 1,6-anthrazoline (AZ)-linked crystalline 2D polymer AZP via acid mediated Friedländer synthesis. The feasibility was examined first by two model reactions, followed by synthesis of three AZ-based macrocycles MCn (n=5-7), in which hexagonal MC6 was isolated as the major product. The favorable macrocycle formation could be largely attributed to the dynamic feature of Friedländer synthesis, which involves both imine condensation and aldol condensation. The structure and crystallinity of AZP were confirmed by experiments and simulation. The skeletons of the macrocycles and polymer consist of all-sp² hybridized C/N atoms and are thus π-conjugated and electro-active. Our studies provide a rational way to access kinetically stable 2D crystalline polymers by combination of different dynamic covalent chemistries.

Towards High-Performance Resistive Switching Behavior through Embedding a D-A System into 2D Imine-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks

Developing new materials for the fabrication of resistive random-access memory is of great significance in this period of big data. Herein, we present a novel design strategy of embedding donor (D) and acceptor (A) fragments into imine-linked frameworks to construct resistive switching covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for high-performance memristors. Two D-A-type two-dimensional COFs, COF-BT-TT and COF-TT-TVT, were designed and synthesized using a conventional solvothermal approach, and high-quality thin films of these materials deposited on ITO substrate exhibited great potential as an active layer for memristors. Rewritable memristors based on 100 nm thick COF-TT-BT and COF-TT-TVT films showed a high ON/OFF current ratio (ca. 10⁵ and 10⁴ ) and low driving voltage (1.30 and 1.60 V). The cycle period and retention time for COF-TT-BT-based rewritable devices were as high as 319 cycles and 3.3×10⁴  s at a constant voltage of 0.1 V (160 cycles and 1.2×10⁴  s for the COF-TT-TVT memristor).

Isoreticular Crystallization of Highly Porous Cubic Covalent Organic Cage Compounds*

Modular frameworks featuring well-defined pore structures in microscale domains establish tailor-made porous materials. For open molecular solids however, maintaining long-range order after desolvation is inherently challenging, since packing is usually governed by only a few supramolecular interactions. Here we report on two series of nanocubes obtained by co-condensation of two different hexahydroxy tribenzotriquinacenes (TBTQs) and benzene-1,4-diboronic acids (BDBAs) with varying linear alkyl chains in 2,5-position. n-Butyl groups at the apical position of the TBTQ vertices yielded soluble model compounds, which were analyzed by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. In contrast, methyl-substituted cages spontaneously crystallized as isostructural and highly porous solids with BET surface areas and pore volumes of up to 3426 m2  g-1 and 1.84 cm3  g-1 . Single crystal X-ray diffraction and sorption measurements revealed an intricate cubic arrangement of alternating micro- and mesopores in the range of 0.97-2.2 nm that are fine-tuned by the alkyl substituents at the BDBA linker.

Donor-Acceptor Type Covalent Organic Frameworks

Intermolecular charge transfer (ICT) effect has been widely studied in both small molecules and linear polymers. Covalently-bonded donor-acceptor pairs with tunable bandgaps and photoelectric properties endow these materials with potential applications in optoelectronics, fluorescent bioimaging, and sensors, etc. However, owing to the lack of charge transfer pathway or effective separation of charge carriers, unfavorable charge recombination gives rise to inevitable energy loss. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can be mediated with various geometry- and property-tailored building blocks, where donor (D) and acceptor (A) segments are connected by covalent bonds and can be finely arranged to form highly ordered networks (namely D-A COFs). The unique structural features of D-A COFs render the formation of segregated D-A stacks, thus provides pathways and channels for effective charge carriers transport. This review highlights the significant progress on D-A COFs over the past decade with emphasis on design principles, growing structural diversities, and promising application potentials.

Protonated Imine-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as an important class of organic semiconductors and photocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)from water. To optimize their photocatalytic activity, typically the organic moieties constituting the frameworks are considered and the most suitable combinations of them are searched for. However, the effect of the covalent linkage between these moieties on the photocatalytic performance has rarely been studied. Herein, we demonstrate that donor‐acceptor (D‐A) type imine‐linked COFs can produce hydrogen with a rate as high as 20.7 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ under visible light irradiation, upon protonation of their imine linkages. A significant red‐shift in light absorbance, largely improved charge separation efficiency, and an increase in hydrophilicity triggered by protonation of the Schiff‐base moieties in the imine‐linked COFs, are responsible for the improved photocatalytic performance.

A Fully Coplanar Donor-Acceptor Polymeric Semiconductor with Promoted Charge Separation Kinetics for Photochemistry

Charge generation and separation are regarded as the major constraints limiting the photocatalytic activity of polymeric photocatalysts. Herein, two new linear polyarylether-based polymers (PAE-CPs) with distinct linking patterns between their donor and acceptor motifs were tailor-made to investigate the influence of different linking patterns on the charge generation and separation process. Theoretical and experimental results revealed that compared to the traditional single-stranded linker, the double-stranded linking pattern strengthens donor-acceptor interactions in PAE-CPs and generates a coplanar structure, facilitating charge generation and separation, and enabling red-shifted light absorption. With these prominent advantages, the PAE-CP interlinked with a double-stranded linker exhibits markedly enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to that of its single-strand-linked analogue. Such findings can facilitate the rational design and modification of organic semiconductors for charge-induced reactions.

A Chemistry and Microstructure Perspective on Ion-Conducting Membranes for Redox Flow Batteries

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are among the most promising grid-scale energy storage technologies. However, the development of RFBs with high round-trip efficiency, high rate capability, and long cycle life for practical applications is highly restricted by the lack of appropriate ion-conducting membranes. Promising RFB membranes should separate positive and negative species completely and conduct balancing ions smoothly. Specific systems must meet additional requirements, such as high chemical stability in corrosive electrolytes, good resistance to organic solvents in nonaqueous systems, and excellent mechanical strength and flexibility. These rigorous requirements put high demands on the membrane design, essentially the chemistry and microstructure associated with ion transport channels. In this Review, we summarize the design rationale of recently reported RFB membranes at the molecular level, with an emphasis on new chemistry, novel microstructures, and innovative fabrication strategies. Future challenges and potential research opportunities within this field are also discussed.

Covalent Organic Frameworks toward Diverse Photocatalytic Aerobic Oxidations

Photoactive two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D-COFs) have become promising heterogenous photocatalysts in visible-light-driven organic transformations. Herein, a visible-light-driven selective aerobic oxidation of various small organic molecules by using 2D-COFs as the photocatalyst was developed. In this protocol, due to the remarkable photocatalytic capability of hydrazone-based 2D-COF-1 on molecular oxygen activation, a wide range of amides, quinolones, heterocyclic compounds, and sulfoxides were obtained with high efficiency and excellent functional group tolerance under very mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, benefiting from the inherent advantage of heterogenous photocatalysis, prominent sustainability and easy photocatalyst recyclability, a drug molecule (modafinil) and an oxidized mustard gas simulant (2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfoxide) were selectively and easily obtained in scale-up reactions. Mechanistic investigations were conducted using radical quenching experiments and in situ ESR spectroscopy, all corroborating the proposed role of 2D-COF-1 in photocatalytic cycle.

Covalent Organic Frameworks Enabling Site Isolation of Viologen-Derived Electron-Transfer Mediators for Stable Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Electron transfer is the rate-limiting step in photocatalytic water splitting. Viologen and its derivatives are able to act as electron-transfer mediators (ETMs) to facilitate the rapid electron transfer from photosensitizers to active sites. Nevertheless, the electron-transfer ability often suffers from the formation of a stable dipole structure through the coupling between cationic-radical-containing viologen-derived ETMs, by which the electron-transfer process becomes restricted. Herein, cyclic diquats, a kind of viologen-derived ETM, are integrated into a 2,2'-bipyridine-based covalent organic framework (COF) through a post-quaternization reaction. The content and distribution of embedded diquat-ETMs are elaborately controlled, leading to the favorable site-isolated arrangement. The resulting materials integrate the photosensitizing units and ETMs into one system, exhibiting the enhanced hydrogen evolution rate (34600 μmol h^-1  g^-1 ) and sustained performances when compared to a single-module COF and a COF/ETM mixture. The integration strategy applied in a 2D COF platform promotes the consecutive electron transfer in photochemical processes through the multi-component cooperation.

Carbon Dioxide Conversion Upgraded by Host-guest Cooperation between Nitrogen-Rich Covalent Organic Framework and Imidazolium-Based Ionic Polymer

The chemical conversion of CO₂ into value-added chemicals is one promising approach for CO₂ utilization. It is crucial to explore highly efficient catalysts containing task-specific components for CO₂ fixation. Here, a host-guest catalytic system was developed by integrating nitrogen-rich covalent organic framework (TT-COF) and imidazolium-based ionic polymer (ImIP), which serve as hydrogen-bonding donor and nucleophilic agent, respectively, for cooperatively facilitating the activation of the epoxides and subsequent CO₂ cycloaddition. The catalytic activity of the host-guest system was remarkably superior to those of ImIP, TT-COF, and their physical mixture. Furthermore, selective adsorption for CO₂ over N₂ rendered this catalytic system effective for the cycloaddition reaction of the simulated flue gas. The protocols for the unification of two catalytically active components provide new opportunities for the development of composite systems in multiple applications.

Triphenylphosphine-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks and Heterogeneous Rh-P-COFs Catalysts

The synthesis of phosphine-based functional covalent organic frameworks (COFs) has attracted great attention recently. Herein, we present two examples of triphenylphosphine-based COFs (termed P-COFs) with well-defined crystalline structures, high specific surface areas, and good thermal stability. Furthermore, rhodium catalysts with these P-COFs as support material show high turnover frequency for the hydroformylation of olefins, as well as excellent recycling performance. This work not only extends the phosphine-based COF family, but also demonstrates their application in immobilizing homogeneous metal-based (e.g., Rh-phosphine) catalysts for application in heterogeneous catalysis.

Recent Advances on Imidazolium-Functionalized Organic Cationic Polymers for CO2 Adsorption and Simultaneous Conversion into Cyclic Carbonates

The cycloaddition reaction of CO₂ with various epoxides to generate cyclic carbonates is one of the most promising and efficient approaches for CO₂ fixation. Typical imidazolium-based ionic liquids possessing electrophilic cations and nucleophilic halogen anions have been identified as excellent and environmentally friendly candidates for synergistically activating epoxides to convert CO₂ . Therefore, the feasible construction of a series of imidazolium-functionalized organic cationic polymers can bridge the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, thereby obtaining highly selective CO₂ adsorption and simultaneous conversion ability. This Review describes the recent advancements made with regard to the design and synthesis of this type of polymeric networks having imidazolium functionality. They are considered as an outstanding heterogeneous catalyst for the cycloaddition of CO₂ to epoxides. Based on the perspective from the design of building blocks to the synthesis of cationic polymers, the focus mainly lies on how to introduce imidazole units into the material backbone via a covalent linking approach and how to incorporate other active sites capable of activating CO₂ and/or epoxides into such polymeric materials.

Non-Interpenetrated Single-Crystal Covalent Organic Frameworks

Growth of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as single crystals is extremely challenging. Inaccessibility of open-structured single-crystal COFs prevents the exploration of structure-oriented applications. Herein we report for the first time a non-interpenetrated single-crystal COF, LZU-306, which possesses the open structure constructed exclusively via covalent assembly. With a high void volume of 80 %, LZU-306 was applied to investigate the intrinsic dynamics of reticulated tetraphenylethylene (TPE) as the individual aggregation-induced-emission moiety. Solid-state ² H NMR investigation has determined that the rotation of benzene rings in TPE, being the freest among the reported cases, is as fast as 1.0×10⁴  Hz at 203 K to 1.5×10⁷  Hz at 293 K. This research not only explores a new paradigm for single-crystal growth of open frameworks, but also provides a unique matrix-isolation platform to reticulate functional moieties into a well-defined and isolated state.