Transforming 2D Imine into 3D Thiazole Covalent Organic Frameworks by Conjugated Connectors: Fully Conjugated Photocatalysts

We developed a robust three-dimensional (3D) covalent organic framework (COF), fully conjugated in both the planar (x, y) and interlayer (z) directions, using a one-pot sulfurization process. We converted the two-dimensional (2D) imine-linked COF (Py-BDA-COF) to the 3D thiazole-linked COF (3D-Py-BDA-S-COF). In the interlayer direction (z-axis), the alternating covalently bound acetylene and ethylene arrangements serve as conjugated connectors (“pillars”) and create a fully conjugated and very robust COF in all three dimensions. On top of this, the presence of the sulfur lone pair electrons in the thiazole rings considerably enhances the electron delocalization degree of the frameworks. The 3D-Py-BDA-S-COF is…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 22101039, 22471027, 22311530679
• FW
  Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

  Awards: G0B2921N, G020521N
• CS
  China Scholarship Council

  Awards: 201906060159, 202206280022, 202107565003
• SK
  State Key Laboratory of Catalysis

  Award: 2024SKL-A-006
• BO
  Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds UGent

  Awards: 01SC0619, PDO. 2022.0032.01, GOA010-17
• FR
  Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities

  Award: DUT24LK004