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By Assoc. Prof. Chao Xu, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

Abstract: 

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a class of crystalline porous polymers with broad potential in separation, catalysis, energy conversion and storage, and sensing. However, their practical applications remain limited by conventional solvothermal synthesis and poor processability. To address these challenges, we have developed facile, scalable, and environmentally friendly strategies for the synthesis and processing of COFs in aqueous media under ambient conditions. Using these approaches, more than 40 COFs with diverse structures have been synthesized, exhibiting high crystallinity and large specific surface areas. By controlling reaction conditions and molecular building blocks, we have further achieved the synthesis of nanoscale COFs with tunable particle sizes and morphologies, as well as the direct fabrication of mechanically robust, free-standing COF gels and monoliths. These materials have been investigated for applications in molecular separation, photocatalysis, and gas sensing. Furthermore, we have developed a rapid and versatile strategy for fabricating large-area, free-standing COF membranes by casting suspensions of molecular precursors, followed by thermal treatment under controlled humidity conditions. The resulting membranes exhibit high mechanical strength and large specific surface areas. They also demonstrate effective removal of organic contaminants from wastewater through nanofiltration, as well as efficient H₂/CO₂ separation. Collectively, these advances establish scalable and sustainable pathways for the synthesis and engineering of COFs, facilitating their transition from laboratory-scale materials to practical applications.

References:

1. X. Kong, Z. Wu, M. Strømme, C. Xu, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2024, 146, 1, 742.
2. X. Kong, S. Afewerki, Y. Pan, P. Huang, C. Xu, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.,2026, 65, e23595.
3. Y. Pan, X. Kong, S. Afewerki, C. Xu, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2026, 65, e2684732.
4. M. Åhlén, X. Kong, W. Zhao, F. Zamora, C. Xu, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2025, 64, e202425426.
5. K. Eliasson, F. Jiang, M. Åhlén, M. Strømme, C. Xu, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2025, 147, 32, 29271.

Hosted by ICREA Prof. Daniel Maspoch