Preparation of functional material layers of TT-COFs with built-in formyl groups for efficient dyes removal

Design of High-Performance Formyl-Functionalized COF Aerogels as Quasi-Solid Lithium Battery Electrolyte by a Solvent Substitution Strategy

Covalent organic framework (COF) aerogels with functional groups offer exceptional processability and functionality for various applications. These hierarchical porous materials combine the advantages of COFs with the benefits of aerogels, overcoming the limitations of conventional insoluble and nonfusible COF powders. However, achieving both high crystallinity and shape retention remains a challenge for functionalized COF aerogels. In this work, we develop a novel and general solvent substitution method for the one-step synthesis of formyl-functionalized COF aerogels without harsh vacuum conditions. These aerogels exhibit excellent processing capabilities, superior mechanical strength, and enhanced functionality. As a proof-of-concept, they were used in adsorption and lithium metal battery applications, significantly maximizing the structural advantages of COFs, e.g.: (i) the hierarchical porous structure is fully wetted by the electrolyte to form continuous transport channels; (ii) the polar groups, which are easier to be acquired, help in desolvation and transfer of Li+; (iii) the regular pore structures stabilize deposition of Li+ and inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites. These combined benefits contribute to a lighter battery with improved energy density and enhanced safety.

Trinuclear Cu-based covalent organic framework: π-conjugated framework regulating electron delocalization to promote photoreduction CO2

Sunlight-driven CO2 reduction to value-added chemicals is an effective strategy to promote carbon recycling. The exploration of catalysts with efficient charge separation is crucially important for highly efficient CO2 photoreduction. In this work, the preparation of metal-cluster-based covalent organic framework (CuABD) integrated features from both metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) through the condensation of diamines and functionalized trinuclear copper clusters demonstrate a thoughtful design strategy. The reported yield of 1.3 mmol g-1 h-1 for formic acid (HCOOH) under simulated solar irradiation is impressive, surpassing the performance of many COF- and MOF-based catalysts previously reported. Compared to its isomorphic metal-free structure (named BDFTD) and bare trinuclear Cu cluster which present extremely poor catalytic activities, CuABD displays remarkably enhanced CO2 reduction activity. Experimental and theoretical investigations reveal that the efficient charge transfer between diamine monomer and cyclic trinuclear copper (I) units, and the electron delocalization of the π-conjugated framework are responsible for the appealing catalytic performance. In summary, the work presents a well-structured and scientifically sound exploration of a metal-cluster-based covalent organic framework for efficient CO2 reduction under sunlight.

Applications of covalent organic frameworks for the elimination of dyes from wastewater: A state-of-the-arts review

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are class of porous coordination polymers made up of organic building blocks joined together by covalent bonding through thermodynamic and controlled reversible polymerization reactions. This review discussed versatile applications of COFs for remediation of wastewater containing dyes, emphasizing the advantages of both pristine and modified materials in adsorption, membrane separation, and advanced oxidations processes. The excellent performance of COFs towards adsorption and membrane filtration has been centered to their higher crystallinity and porosity, exhibiting exceptionally high surface area, pore size and pore volumes. Thus, they provide more active sites for trapping the dye molecules. On one hand, the photocatalytic performance of the COFs was attributed to their semiconducting properties, and when coupled with other functional semiconducting materials, they achieve good mechanical and thermal stabilities, positive light response, and narrow band gap, a typical characteristic of excellent photocatalysts. As such, COFs and their composites have demonstrated excellent potentialities for the elimination of the dyes.

Preparation and Tribological Properties of Bismaleimide Matrix Composites Reinforced with Covalent Organic Framework Coated Graphene Nanosheets

The poor compatibility between the polymer matrix and complex modification processes greatly affects the excellent tribological properties of graphene in the polymer matrix. In this study, a covalent organic framework (COF)-coated graphene hybrid lubricating filler (G/COFs) was synthesized in situ using a sample one-step mechanochemical synthesis process. This was used to improve the tribological properties of bismaleimide (BMI) resin. The morphology and microstructure of the G/COFs hybrid were characterized, and the effect of the added amount on the tribological properties of the G/COFs/BMI composites was studied. The results showed that the G/COFs hybrid could improve the stability of the friction coefficient and decrease the volume wear rate of BMI composites. Compared to the neat BMI, the 0.6 wt% G/COFs/BMI composites showed optimal tribological performance, with the friction coefficient and volume wear rate decreasing from 0.35 to 0.14 and from 48 × 10^-6 to 10.6 × 10^-6 mm³/(N‧m), respectively. In addition, the G/COFs/BMI composites showed lower friction coefficient fluctuations and volume wear rates than G/BMI composites. This is mainly attributed to the fact that the deposition of COFs can not only effectively prevent the aggregation of graphene nanosheets, but can also significantly improve the compatibility and interfacial bond between the graphene and BMI matrix. Moreover, the good synergistic effect between the lamellar COFs and graphene nanosheets can generate high-quality self-lubricating transfer films during the friction process. The excellent dispersibility, efficient chemical functionalization, better friction reduction and wear-resistance properties, and facile preparation method make graphene/COFs hybrid nanoparticles promising as an excellent lubricating filler.