IN-PERSON EVENT

PhD: Juan Pablo Cavalieri

Directors:

ICREA Prof. Daniel Maspoch, Prof. Leslie Yeo & Dr Inhar Imaz

Short Abstract:

This Ph.D. thesis introduces two unconventional methodologies in organic reticular materials: rapid bottom-up synthesis and programmed top-down disassembly. 

First, it presents an acoustomicrofluidic platform utilizing surface-reflected bulk waves (SRBWs) to accelerate the condensation of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) under ambient conditions within seconds. This technique enables the direct, uniform deposition of crystalline COF thin films onto heat-sensitive, non-planar, and living biological substrates -such as plant leaves- serving as a protective ultraviolet shield without compromising cellular viability. 

Second, the thesis pioneers "clip-off chemistry" in pure organic reticular materials. By systematically evaluating the ozone resilience of various covalent linkages, stable amide and polyimide backbones were selected as linkages for the material design. Rationally designed 2D COFs containing cleavable olefinic junctions underwent controlled ozonolysis, achieving the selective and high-yield excision of complex hexagonal macrocycles. Together, these methodologies transform COFs from passive powders into dynamic platforms for advanced surface engineering and streamlined molecular synthesis. 

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