Facile, Direct, De Novo Synthesis of an Alkyl Phosphoric Acid-Decorated Covalent Organic Framework

Manipulation of Cationic Group Density in Covalent Organic Framework Membranes for Efficient Anion Transport

Anion exchange membranes with high anion conductivity are highly desired for electrochemical applications. Increasing ion exchange capacity is a straightforward approach to enhancing anion conductivity but faces a challenge in dimensional stability. Herein, we report the design and preparation of three kinds of isoreticular covalent organic framework (COF) membranes bearing tunable quaternary ammonium group densities as anion conductors. Therein, the cationic groups are integrated into the backbones by flexible ether-bonded alkyl side chains. The highly quaternary ammonium-group-functionalized building units endow COF membranes with abundant cationic groups homogeneously distributed in the ordered channels. The flexible side chains alleviate electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance caused by large cationic groups, ensuring a tight interlayer stacking and multiple interactions. As a result, our COF membranes achieve a high ion exchange capacity and exceptional dimensional stability simultaneously. Furthermore, the effect of the ionic group density on the ion conductivity in rigid COF channels is systematically explored. Experiments and simulations reveal that the ionic group concentration and side chain mobility jointly determine the ion transport behavior, resulting in the abnormal phenomenon that the anion conductivity is not positively correlated to the ionic group density. The optimal COF membrane achieves the ever-reported highest hydroxide ion conductivity over 300 mS cm-1 at 80 °C and 100% RH. This study offers insightful guidelines on the rational design and preparation of high-performance anion conductors.

Spacer-Engineered Ionic Channels in Covalent Organic Framework Membranes toward Ultrafast Proton Transport

Side-chain engineering of covalent organic frameworks as advanced ion conductors is a critical issue to be explored. Herein, ionic covalent organic framework membranes (iCOFMs) with spacer-engineered ionic channel are de novo designed and prepared. The ionic channels are decorated with side chains comprising spacers having different carbon chain lengths and the -SO₃ H groups at the end. Attributed to the synergistic contribution from the spacers and the -SO₃ H groups, the iCOFM with moderate-length spacer exhibit the highest through-plane proton conductivity of 889 mS cm^-1 at 90 °C.