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Microfluidic-based Synthesis of Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs): A Tool for Continuous Production of COF Fibers and Direct Printing on a Surface
Published on: July 10, 2017
Microdroplet-Enabled Interfacial Electron Transfer Accelerates Schiff Base Condensation for Ultrafast Covalent
Zhendong Luo1,2, Peng Jin1,2, Junju Mu1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, P. R. China.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|June 17, 2026
Summary
We developed a rapid, scalable method for synthesizing imine-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) using microdroplets. This catalyst- and solvent-free approach accelerates COF formation at room temperature via an interfacial pathway.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Imine-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are promising crystalline porous materials.
- Their synthesis via Schiff base condensation is typically slow, requiring acid catalysts and organic solvents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid, scalable, and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing imine-linked COFs.
- To investigate a novel interfacial pathway for accelerating COF formation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized continuous ultrasonic nebulization to generate microdroplets of aqueous monomers.
- Employed mechanistic studies to probe the reaction at the gas-liquid interface.
- Investigated the role of interfacial electron transfer, enrichment, and electric fields.
Main Results:
- Achieved rapid synthesis of crystalline imine-linked COFs within minutes at room temperature.
- Demonstrated reaction rates orders of magnitude higher than conventional batch synthesis.
- Identified the microdroplet gas-liquid interface as an electronically active zone driving a nonclassical condensation mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Developed a general, scalable, and sustainable platform for COF synthesis using microdroplets.
- Established a new paradigm for framework synthesis by transforming the air-water interface into an active electronic reactor.
- Showcased accelerated interfacial reaction kinetics for materials synthesis.
