3D Covalent Organic Frameworks with Interpenetrated pcb Topology Based on 8-Connected Cubic Nodes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Organic Chemistry
• Crystallography

Background:

• Traditional 3D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) primarily utilize building blocks with 4- and 6-connectivity.
• This limited connectivity restricts the structural diversity and topological possibilities of 3D COFs.
• Developing higher-connectivity building blocks is crucial for advancing COF design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize novel 8-connected building blocks for 3D COFs.
• To explore new topological structures achievable with high-connectivity nodes.
• To expand the scope of 3D COF design and potential applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a porphyrin-based 8-connected building block with a cubic configuration.
• Reticulation of the building block via imine condensation with linear amine monomers.
• Characterization of the resulting 3D COF structure and topology.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of an 8-connected, porphyrin-based building block.
• Formation of an unprecedented interpenetrated pcb topology through self-assembly.
• Demonstration of high-connectivity nodes (8-connected cubic nodes) in 3D COFs for the first time.

Conclusions:

• The study introduces a novel strategy for creating highly connected building blocks in 3D COFs.
• This work significantly enriches the topological diversity of 3D COFs.
• The findings pave the way for designing COFs with tailored structures and properties.