[phys.org] SCNU research team propose new synthetic strategy of COFs

A research team proposed a new synthetic strategy of COFs based on a new topology that remotely separates donor (D) and acceptor (A) units in 3D lattice to produce the expected metastable photo-induced charge-separated states.

The researchers synthesized four 3D COFs with zyg topology for the first time by connecting unequal hexagonal monomers with a square building block. This structure type exhibits fused Olympic rings-shaped pores, forming two types of hexagonal channels with a maximum diameter of 3.5 nm, which provides a geometrical platform for stabilizing charge-separated states in the 3D lattice, as well as space for efficient guest transport.

Subsequently, the researchers obtained the photo-induced photochromic radical states in two zyg-type COFs containing photoactive electron donor moieties (triphenylamine and phenothiazine). The catalytic results combined with theoretical calculations revealed that the isolated radical states of these COFs performed better in the photosynthesis of H₂O₂ due to the enhancement of light-harvesting and carrier-transporting abilities as well as the reduction of activation energy of intermediates.

Remarkably, the radical state of the phenothiazine-based COF showed a H₂O₂ synthesis rate of 3324 μmol g^-1 h^-1, a significant increase in photocatalytic activity by 400% compared with the parent state, making it one of the best catalysts for the photocatalytic synthesis of H₂O₂.

This work will provide inspiration for the development of highly efficient 3D COF photocatalysts built on functional organic building blocks assembled in a topological structure that can facilitate light-induced charge separation.

The research is published in the journal National Science Review. The team includes Ya-Qian Lan and Yong Yan's group at South China Normal University (SCNU), with the first author of the paper being Ms. Tian-Tian Ma, a Ph.D. candidate at SCNU, and the corresponding authors being Profs. Ya-Qian Lan and Yong Yan at SCNU.

More related report: https://url.scnu.edu.cn/record/view/index.html?key=68a5067444b07a1c5c91b5e4a3c0cc65

What to read next:

[cctv.com] "Chinese olive" performed in the Asian Cuisine Festival

Students of SCNU performed the Lingnan dance "Chinese olive " as part of the intangible cultural heritage

[csstoday.com] 30 years, School of Law on its way ahead

Looking forward, School of Law will continue to blaze new ground, forge ahead

[Guangzhou Daily] SCNU product for fast virus detection

The nucleic acid detection kit ( based on Q-PCR) for the novel coronavirus developed by professor Shu Wensheng,

[cgtn.com] SCNU set up special subsidies for students from Hubei

It means they need emotional and financial support from society After all, it is the virus we want isolated, not love

[cctv.com] SCNU alumni interviewed on epidemic research work

“The special visit of General Secretary Xi makes me more determined to devote myself to the medical enterprise in China,” Cheng said

[xinhuanet.com] Wu Shibao: Human beings should be in awe of wild animals

In the eyes of most young Chinese, wild animals are no longer associated with delicacies, nutrition or wealth

[xinhuanet.com] Chinese scientists study medical use of cockroaches

Chinese scientists are taking a close look at cockroaches to explore their potential in medical treatment

[nytimes.com] In a Cockroach Genome, ‘Little Mighty’ Secrets

“We’ve uncovered the secret of why people call it ‘xiao qiang,’” he said “Now we want to know the secrets of Chinese medicine ”

[People's Daily] Mine in S China regains vitality through environmental protection

By improving the soil quality, we cut heavy metal contamination and acidification from the source, thus reducing sewage pollution and containing geological hazards

[xinhuanet.com] African volunteer contributes to epidemic prevention in Guangzhou

"Serving as a volunteer has become an important part of my life, " Mubua s efforts also won him praise from other foreigners