A Pyrene-Based, Fluorescent Three-Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework

The targeted synthesis of 3D COFs has been considered challenging, especially adopting new topologies and bearing photoelectric units. Herein, for the first time, we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel 3D pyrene-based COF (3D-Py-COF), by selectively choosing the geometry of the precursors and the connection patterns. Based on X-ray diffraction measurement and detailed simulations, 3D-Py-COF is proposed to adopt a two-fold interpenetrated <b>pts</b> topology, which has never been reported before. In addition, 3D-Py-COF has a narrow pore size distribution and high surface area and also features selective absorption of CO₂ over N₂. Interestingly, due to the existence of isolated pyrene units in the 3D framework, 3D-Py-COF is the first fluorescent 3D COF and can be used in explosive detection. Our results not only show it is possible to rationally design and synthesize 3D COFs with other topologies but also demonstrate that the incorporation of photoelectric units into 3D COFs can allow the resulting materials with interesting properties

3D Porphyrin-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks

The design and synthesis of three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs) bearing photoelectric units have been considered as a big challenge. Herein, for the first time, we reported the targeted synthesis of two 3D porphyrin-based COFs (3D-Por-COF and 3D-CuPor-COF), starting from tetrahedral (3D-<i>T</i>_d) and square (2D-<i>C</i>₄) building blocks connected through [4 + 4] imine condensation reactions. On the basis of structural characterizations, 3D-Por-COF and 3D-CuPor-COF are microporous materials with high surface areas, and are proposed to adopt a 2-fold interpenetrated <b>pts</b> topology with <i>Pmc</i>2₁ space group. Interestingly, both 3D COFs are photosensitive and can be used as heterogeneous catalyst for generating singlet oxygen under photoirradiation. However, 3D-Por-COF shows enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with 3D-CuPor-COF, indicating the properties of 3D porphyrin-based COFs can be tuned by metalation of porphyrin rings. The results reported here will greatly inspire us to design and synthesize 3D COFs bearing other metalloporphyrins for interesting applications (e.g., catalysis) in the future