Solvation-Mediated Assembly for Large-Scale Synthesis of Covalent Organic Framework Membranes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Traditional polymeric membranes face a trade-off between ion permeability and selectivity.
• Covalent organic framework (COF) membranes offer a potential solution due to their ordered structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a scalable synthesis method for COF membranes.
• To understand the dynamic formation mechanisms of COF membranes.

Main Methods:

• A solvation-mediated assembly (SMA) approach was employed for large-scale COF membrane synthesis.
• In situ heating liquid transmission electron microscopy and multiscale simulations were used to visualize and analyze membrane formation.

Main Results:

• Large-scale freestanding COF membranes (∼2400 cm²) with high tensile strength (∼65 Mpa) were successfully synthesized.
• The study visualized and elaborated on the solvation interactions during membrane formation.

Conclusions:

• The developed SMA approach enables scalable COF membrane production.
• The membranes exhibit selective ion separation capabilities for water reclamation and rare-earth ion recovery, showing practical application potential.