Self-Assembly-Induced Colloidal Covalent Organic Frameworks Toward Photocatalytic H2 Evolution: A Surfactant-Free
Axelle Larrieu1, Sabuj Kanti Das1, Aurelien Viterisi1
1Bio-inspired Materials Group: Functionalities & Self-assembly, Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et Physico-chimie pour l'environnement et les matériaux (IPREM), Pau, 64000, France.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|July 10, 2025
Summary
Stable colloidal Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) were developed using a novel Self-Assembly-Induced Colloidal COFs (SAI2COF) strategy. This method enhances COF processability for applications like photocatalytic hydrogen production.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Photocatalysis
Background:
- Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) show potential for photocatalysis due to tunable optoelectronic properties.
- Rapid precipitation of COFs in solution hinders their processability and practical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a novel Self-Assembly-Induced Colloidal COFs (SAI2COF) approach for stable COF synthesis.
- To control COF particle morphology, dispersion, and colloidal stability using a macromolecular blocking agent.
Main Methods:
- In situ stabilization of a TtaTpa COF using Poly(2-(DiMethylAmino)Ethyl Methacrylate) (PDMAEMA).
- Exploration of three synthesis strategies for introducing PDMAEMA during COF formation.
- Kinetic monitoring via UV-vis spectroscopy and morphological analyses.
Main Results:
- PDMAEMA effectively slowed COF growth, delaying precipitation and preserving crystallinity and light absorption.
- Different stabilization strategies influenced particle surface characteristics, leading to colloidally stabilized COFs.
- Synthesized COFs demonstrated stable redispersion in aqueous media.
Conclusions:
- The SAI2COF strategy provides a surfactant-free pathway to stable colloidal COFs.
- This method enhances COF processability for advanced applications.
- Stable colloidal COFs are promising for photocatalytic hydrogen production.
