Pore engineering of ultrathin covalent organic framework membranes for organic solvent nanofiltration and molecular sieving

Covalent Organic Framework Membranes: Synthesis Strategies and Separation Applications

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as highly promising materials for membrane separations due to their high porosity, tunable pore sizes, ordered crystalline structures, and exceptional chemical stability. With these features, COF membranes possess greater selectivity and permeability than conventional materials, making them the preferred choice in various fields, including membrane separations. Fascinating research endeavors have emerged encompassing fabrication strategies for COF-based membranes and their diverse separation applications. Hence, this review summarizes the latest advancements in COF synthesis, including COF powders and continuous COF-based membranes and their applications in separation membranes. Special consideration was given to regulation strategies for the performance optimization of COF membranes in separation applications, such as pore size, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, surface charge, crystallinity, and stability. Furthermore, applications of COF membranes in water treatment, metal ion separation, organic solvent nanofiltration, and gas separation are comprehensively reviewed. Finally, the research results and future prospects for the development of COF membranes are discussed. Future research may be focused on the following key directions: (1) single-crystal COF fabrication, (2) cost-effective membrane preparation, (3) subnanometer pore engineering, (4) advanced characterization techniques, and (5) AI-assisted development.

Synthesis innovations for crystallizing covalent organic framework thin films on biological and non-biological substrates

Thin film technology has emerged as a pivotal field with numerous industrial applications. Depending on their properties-such as magnetic characteristics, conductivity, architectural structure, stability, and functional backbones-thin films are widely utilized in optoelectronics, thin-film coatings, solar cells, energy storage devices, semiconductors, and separation applications. However, for all these applications, thin films must be securely attached to specific substrates, and substrate compatibility with both the thin film and the film-growth process is crucial for optimal performance. In this review, we emphasize the significance of growing thin films, particularly covalent organic framework (COF) thin films, on suitable substrates tailored for various applications. For separation technologies, polymer thin films are commonly fabricated on porous polymeric or metal-based membranes. In contrast, thin films of metals and metal oxides are typically deposited on conducting substrates, serving as current collectors for energy storage devices. Semiconductor thin films, on the other hand, are often grown on silicon or glass substrates for transistor applications. Emerging COF thin films, with their tunable properties, well-defined pore channels, and versatile functional backbones, have demonstrated exceptional potential in separation, energy storage, and electronic and optoelectronic applications. However, the interplay between COF thin films and the substrates, as well as the compatibility of growth conditions, remains underexplored. Studies investigating COF thin film growth on substrates such as metals, metal oxides, glass, silicon, polymers, ITO, and FTO have provided insights into substrate properties that promote superior film growth. The quality of the film formed on these substrates significantly influences performance in applications. Additionally, we discuss the stabilization of biological substrates, like peptide-based biomimetic catalysts and enzymes, which often suffer from instability in non-aqueous environments, limiting their industrial use. Growing COF membranes on these biological substrates can enhance their stability under harsh conditions. We also highlight techniques for growing COF membranes on biological substrates, ensuring the preservation of their structural integrity and functional properties.

Synthesis of Sulfonyl Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks for Supercapacitor Applications

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are attracting more attention for energy storage applications. COFs possess unique structural properties, such as highly ordered pore structures, abundant functionalization sites, and tunable chemical properties, making them ideal candidates for the development of novel energy storage materials. In this work, we synthesized sulfonyl two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic frameworks (SLD-COFs) using 4,4'-sulfonyldiphenylamine (SLD). SLD-COFs have a remarkable conjugated structure, which includes imine groups forming large π-bonds, and the conjugated structure can provide consecutive electron conduction paths, which enables SLD-COF to transfer charges more efficiently, thus improving the electrical conductivity. Additionally, the sulfonyl groups introduce redox-active sites, which participate in the redox process during electrochemical reactions and generate a pseudocapacitive effect. For a current of 0.5 A/g, the specific capacitance of the SLD-COF material was 31.5 F/g in an acidic electrolyte and 41.7 F/g in an alkaline electrolyte. The structural flexibility and good electrochemical properties of the COFs make them a potentially essential component of energy storage applications. Meanwhile, the capacitance retention of SLD-COFs reaches 78.3% after 1000 GCD cycles at a current density of 1 A/g, which indicates its good cycling stability.

Interlaced Composite Membranes by Charge-Induced Alternating Assembly of Monolayer Cationic COF and GO

The efficient preparation of two-dimensional large-sized monolayer covalent organic framework (COF) nanosheets for highly permeable membranes has posed a long-standing challenge in the COF field. While the self-exfoliation of charged COFs represents a promising method for nanosheet production, its efficiency requires further enhancement. In this study, we present a novel finding that the presence of hydroxyl groups on the monomer significantly influences the self-exfoliation efficiency of charged COFs. Through precise regulation of hydroxyl group numbers on the monomers, we successfully achieved the efficient fabrication of large monolayer cationic COF nanosheets with impressive solubilities in common organic solvents. By virtue of their positive charge, COF monolayer nanosheets rapidly interacted with negatively charged monolayer graphene oxide (GO) in solution, facilitating their assembly into interlaced composite membranes through electrostatic interactions. The composite membranes benefited from the strong Coulombic attraction between the COF and GO nanosheets, leading to enhanced membrane stability, while the shielding effect of GO on the COF pores contributed to improved size sieving efficiency. This innovative strategy enabled the composite membranes to achieve highly selective separation of ReO4- and MoO42-, with a remarkable 100% interception rate for MoO42-.

Guide for Nonequilibrium Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Organic Solvent Transport in Nanopores: The Case of 2D MXene Membranes

Organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) stands out as an energy-efficient and low-carbon footprint technology, currently reliant on polymeric membranes. With their exceptional chemical stability and tunable sieving properties, two-dimensional (2D) nanolaminate membranes present distinct advantages over conventional polymer-based membranes, attracting tremendous interest in the OSN community. Computational approaches for designing innovative 2D nanolaminates exhibit significant potential for the future of OSN technology. Imitating the pressure gradient in filtration processes by applying an external force to atoms within a predefined slab, boundary-driven nonequilibrium molecular dynamics ((BD)-NEMD) is a state-of-the-art simulation method with a proven track record in investigating the water transport in nanopores. Nevertheless, implementation of (BD)-NEMD for a broad range of solvents poses a challenge in estimating the OSN performance of theoretical membranes. In this work, we developed a (BD)-NEMD protocol that elucidates the effects of several computational details often overlooked in water simulations but are crucial for bulky solvent systems. We employed a MXene (Ti3C2O2) nanochannel as a model membrane and examined the transport of nine solvents (methanol, ethanol, acetone, n-hexane, n-heptane, toluene, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and water) having different properties. First, the impact of ensemble type, thermostatting, channel wall model, and restraining force constant was elaborated. After optimizing the thermostatting approach, we demonstrated that the location of the force slab particularly affects the flux of bulky solvents by changing the density distribution in the feed and permeate sides. Similarly, the uniformity of intramolecular force distribution in bulky solvents and resulting flux are shown to be prone to manipulation by slab boundaries. Next, the magnitudes of the external force generating a linear relation between the pressure gradient and solvent flux were identified for each solvent to ensure that calculated fluxes could be extrapolated to experimentally related pressures. This linear relation was also validated for a mixture system containing 50% ethanol and 50% water. We then correlated the calculated solvent permeances with various solvent properties, such as viscosity, Hansen solubility parameters, kinetic diameter, and interaction energy. Remarkably, we observed a linear correlation with an R2 value of 0.96 between permeance and the combined parameter of viscosity and interaction energy. Finally, the solvent permeances calculated with our proposed methodology closely align with the experimentally reported data. Overall, our work aims to serve as a practical guide and bridge the gap in established simulation methods that are suited for a broad range of solvents and membrane materials.

Carbon-Doped TiO2 Nanofiltration Membranes Prepared by Interfacial Reaction of Glycerol with TiCl4 Vapor

In the pursuit of developing advanced nanofiltration membranes with high permeation flux for organic solvents, a TiO2 nanofilm was synthesized via a vapor-liquid interfacial reaction on a flat-sheet α-Al2O3 ceramic support. This process involves the reaction of glycerol, an organic precursor with a structure featuring 1,2-diol and 1,3-diol groups, with TiCl4 vapor to form organometallic hybrid films. Subsequent calcination in air at 250 °C transforms these hybrid films into carbon-doped titanium oxide nanofilms. The unique structure of glycerol plays a crucial role in determining the properties of the resulting nanopores, which exhibit high solvent permeance and effective solute rejection. The synthesized carbon-doped TiO2 nanofiltration membranes demonstrated impressive performance, achieving a pure methanol permeability as high as 90.9 L·m-2·h -1·bar-1. Moreover, these membranes exhibited a rejection rate of 93.2% for Congo Red in a methanol solution, underscoring their efficacy in separating solutes from solvents. The rigidity of the nanopores within these nanofilms, when supported on ceramic materials, confers high chemical stability even in the presence of polar solvents. This robustness makes the carbon-doped TiO2 nanofilms suitable for applications in the purification and recovery of organic solvents.

Degradative solvent-catalyzed extraction of sewage sludge

It is necessary for the further development of sludge degradative solvent extraction (DSE) to significantly increase the bio-oil yield and adjust its composition. In this study, the effects of MCM-41, HZSM-5, and SSZ-13 on the physical properties, yield, and composition of bio-oil were compared. Results show that all three catalysts effectively promote the conversion of volatiles in the residue to the heavy component (heavy-s). The addition of MCM-41 improved the yieldof both the light component (light-s) and heavy-s. Their yields increased from 8.11% and 20.47% to 14.39% and 29.18%, respectively. Its all-silicon structure and weak acidity have no significant effect on the composition of the bio-oil. HZSM-5 addition increases the light-s yield to 25.58%. Its MFI structure and proper acidity are beneficial to the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons and olefins, while effectively reducing oxygenates. SSZ-13 increases the heavy-s yield to 27.89%, and promoted the formation of nitrogen-containing compounds significantly.

Tunable Wettability of a Dual-Faced Covalent Organic Framework Membrane for Enhanced Water Filtration

Membrane technology plays a central role in advancing separation processes, particularly in water treatment. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have transformative potential in this field due to their adjustable structures and robustness. However, conventional COF membrane synthesis methods are often associated with challenges, such as time-consuming processes and limited control over surface properties. Our study demonstrates a rapid, microwave-assisted method to synthesize self-standing COF membranes within minutes. This approach allows control over the wettability of the surface and achieves superhydrophilic and near-hydrophobic properties. A thorough characterization of the membrane allows a detailed analysis of the membrane properties and the difference in wettability between its two faces. Microwave activation accelerates the self-assembly of the COF nanosheets, whereby the thickness of the membrane can be controlled by adjusting the time of the reaction. The superhydrophilic vapor side of the membrane results from -NH2 reactions with acetic acid, while the nearly hydrophobic dioxane side has terminal aldehyde groups. Leveraging the superhydrophilic face, water filtration at high water flux, complete oil removal, increased rejection with anionic dye size, and resistance to organic fouling were achieved. The TTA-DFP-COF membrane opens new avenues for research to address the urgent need for water purification, distinguished by its synthesis speed, simplicity, and superior separation capabilities.

Scalable, Interfacially Synthesized, Covalent-Organic Framework (COF)-Based Thin-Film Composite (TFC) Hollow Fiber Membranes for Organic Solvent Nanofiltration (OSN)

Covalent organic frameworks have great potential for energy-efficient molecular sieving-based separation. However, it remains challenging to implement COFs as an alternative membrane material due to the lack of a scalable and cost-effective fabrication mechanism. This work depicts a new method for fabricating a scalable in situ COF hollow fiber (HF) membrane by an interfacial polymerization (IP) approach at room temperature. The 2D COF film was constructed on a polyacrylonitrile HF substrate using aldehyde (1,3,5-trimethylphloroglucinol, Tp) and amine (4,4'-azodianiline (Azo) and 4,4',4″-(1,3,5-triazine- 2,4,6-triyl) trianiline (Tta)) as precursors. The COF membrane on the PAN substrate showed 99% rejection of Direct red-80 with remarkable solvent permeance. The rejection analysis revealed that the structural aspects of the solute molecule play a major role in rejection rather than the molecular weight. We further optimized the precursor concentrations to improve the permeation performance of the resulting membrane. The durability study reveals excellent stability of the membrane toward organic solvents. This study also demonstrated the easy scalability of the membrane fabrication approach. The approach was further extrapolated to fabricate a cation-based COF membrane. These charged membranes exhibited an enhanced rejection performance. Finally, this approach can facilitate industrially challenging molecular sieving applications using COF-based membranes.

Recent advances in the fabrication of organic solvent nanofiltration membranes using covalent/metal organic frameworks

Organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) has evolved as a vital technological frontier with paramount significance in the separation and purification of organic solvents. Its implication is particularly prominent in industries such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and environmental remediation. This comprehensive review, meticulously navigates through the current state of research in OSN membranes, unveiling both the critical challenges and promising opportunities that beckon further exploration. The central focus of this review is on the unique utilization of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in OSN membrane design, leveraging their distinctive structural attributes-tunable porosity, robust chemical stability, and molecular sieving capabilities. These qualities position them as exceptional candidates for crafting membranes tailored to the intricacies of organic solvent environments. Our investigation extends into the fundamental principles that render COFs and MOFs adept in OSN applications, dissecting their varied fabrication methods while offering insights into the advantages and limitations of each. Moreover, we address environmental and sustainability considerations in the use of COF and MOF-based OSN membranes. Furthermore, we meticulously present the latest advancements and innovations in this burgeoning field, charting a course toward potential future directions and emerging research areas. By underscoring the challenges awaiting exploration, this review not only provides a panoramic view of the current OSN landscape but also lays the groundwork for the evolution of efficient and sustainable OSN technologies, specifically harnessing the unique attributes of COFs and MOFs.

Methanol recovery: potential of nanolaminate organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) membranes

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough by merging the energy-saving attribute of organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) with the remarkable solvent permeance and solute rejection of two-dimensional (2D) laminated membranes. This innovative approach brings forth a new era of sustainable and cost-effective separation techniques, presenting a promising solution to the issue of industrial solvents contaminating the environment. This development paves the way for new opportunities in building a sustainable future. Specifically, our mini-review has cast a spotlight on the separation and recovery of methanol-a solvent abundantly used in industrial processes. We systematically evaluated a diverse array of free-standing 2D nanolaminate OSN membranes. The analysis encompasses the assessment of pure methanol permeance, solute rejection capabilities, and the simultaneous evaluation of methanol permeance and solute rejection performance. Notably, this study sheds light on the considerable potential of 2D laminated OSN membranes in revolutionizing separation processes for the industrial use of methanol.

Covalent Organic Framework Membranes and Water Treatment

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are an emerging class of highly porous crystalline organic polymers comprised entirely of organic linkers connected by strong covalent bonds. Due to their excellent physicochemical properties (e.g., ordered structure, porosity, and stability), COFs are considered ideal materials for developing state-of-the-art separation membranes. In fact, significant advances have been made in the last six years regarding the fabrication and functionalization of COF membranes. In particular, COFs have been utilized to obtain thin-film, composite, and mixed matrix membranes that could achieve effective rejection (mostly above 80%) of organic dyes and model organic foulants (e.g., humic acid). COF-based membranes, especially those prepared by embedding into polyamide thin-films, obtained adequate rejection of salts in desalination applications. However, the claims of ordered structure and separation mechanisms remain unclear and debatable. In this perspective, we analyze critically the design and exploitation of COFs for membrane fabrication and their performance in water treatment applications. In addition, technological challenges associated with COF properties, fabrication methods, and treatment efficacy are highlighted to redirect future research efforts in realizing highly selective separation membranes for scale-up and industrial applications.

2D Covalent Organic Framework Membranes for Liquid-Phase Molecular Separations: State of the Field, Common Pitfalls, and Future Opportunities

2D covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) are attractive candidates for next-generation membranes due to their robust linkages and uniform, tunable pores. Many publications have claimed to achieve selective molecular transport through COF pores, but reported performance metrics for similar networks vary dramatically, and in several cases the reported experiments are inadequate to support such conclusions. These issues require a reevaluation of the literature. Published examples of 2D COF membranes for liquid-phase separations can be broadly divided into two categories, each with common performance characteristics: polycrystalline COF films (most >1 µm thick) and weakly crystalline or amorphous films (most <500 nm thick). Neither category has demonstrated consistent relationships between the designed COF pore structure and separation performance, suggesting that these imperfect materials do not sieve molecules through uniform pores. In this perspective, rigorous practices for evaluating COF membrane structures and separation performance are described, which will facilitate their development toward molecularly precise membranes capable of performing previously unrealized chemical separations. In the absence of this more rigorous standard of proof, reports of COF-based membranes should be treated with skepticism. As methods to control 2D polymerization improve, precise 2D polymer membranes may exhibit exquisite and energy efficient performance relevant for contemporary separation challenges.

Continuous Covalent Organic Frameworks Membranes: From Preparation Strategies to Applications

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are porous crystalline polymeric materials formed by the covalent bonding of organic units. The abundant organic units library gives the COFs species diversity, easily tuned pore channels, and pore sizes. In addition, the periodic arrangement of organic units endows COFs regular and highly connected pore channels, which has led to the rapid development of COFs in membrane separations. Continuous defect-free and high crystallinity of COF membranes is the key to their application in separations, which is the most important issue to be addressed in the research. This review article describes the linkage types of covalent bonds, synthesis methods, and pore size regulation strategies of COFs materials. Further, the preparation strategies of continuous COFs membranes are highlighted, including layer-by-layer (LBL) stacking, in situ growth, interfacial polymerization (IP), and solvent casting. The applications in separation fields of continuous COFs membranes are also discussed, including gas separation, water treatment, organic solvent nanofiltration, ion conduction, and energy battery membranes. Finally, the research results are summarized and the future prospect for the development of COFs membranes are outlined. More attention may be paid to the large-scale preparation of COFs membranes and the development of conductive COFs membranes in future research.

Tailor-made β-ketoenamine-linked covalent organic polymer nanofilms for precise molecular sieving

The membranes that accurately separate solutes with close molecular weights in harsh solvents are of crucial importance for the development of highly-precise organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN). The physicochemical structures of the membrane need to be rationally designed to achieve this goal, such as customized crosslinked networks, thickness, and pore size. Herein, we synthesize a type of covalent organic polymer (COP) nanofilms with tailor-made thickness and pore structure using a cyclic deposition strategy for precise molecular sieving. By elaborately designing monomer structures and controlling deposition cycle numbers, the COP nanofilms linked by robust β-ketoenamine blocks were endowed with sub-nanometer micropores and a linearly tunable thickness of 10-40 nm. The composite membranes integrating COP nanofilms exhibited adjustable solvent permeance. The membranes further demonstrated steep and finely-regulated rejection curves within the molecular weight range of 200 to 400 Da, where the difference value was as low as 40 Da. The efficient purification and concentration of the antibacterial drug and its intermediate was well achieved. Therefore, the exploited COP nanofilms markedly facilitate the application of microporous organic polymers for precise molecular separation in OSN.

An 'on-off-on' fluorescent switch based on a luminous covalent organic framework for the rapid and selective detection of glyphosate

Glyphosate, the most used herbicide in the world, has a residue problem that cannot be ignored. However, glyphosate itself does not have fluorescence emission and lacks the conditions for fluorescence detection. In this work, a rapid and selective fluorescence detection method of glyphosate was designed by an 'on-off-on' fluorescent switch based on a luminous covalent organic framework (L-COF). Only the fixed concentration of Fe3+ as an intermediate could trigger the fluorescent switch and no incubation step was required. The proposed method showed good accuracy with a correlation coefficient of 0.9978. The method's limits of detection and quantitation were 0.88 and 2.93 μmol/L, which were lower than the maximum allowable residue limits in some regulations. Environmental water samples and tomatoes were selected as actual samples to verify the application in a complex matrix. A satisfactory mean recovery from 87% to 106% was gained. Furthermore, Fe3+ could induce fluorescence quenching of L-COF through the photo-induced electron transfer (PET) effect, while the addition of glyphosate could block the PET effect to achieve detection. These results demonstrated the proposed method had abilities to detect glyphosate and broaden the application of L-COF.

Carbon-doped metal oxide interfacial nanofilms for ultrafast and precise separation of molecules

Membranes with molecular-sized, high-density nanopores, which are stable under industrially relevant conditions, are needed to decrease energy consumption for separations. Interfacial polymerization has demonstrated its potential for large-scale production of organic membranes, such as polyamide desalination membranes. We report an analogous ultrafast interfacial process to generate inorganic, nanoporous carbon-doped metal oxide (CDTO) nanofilms for precise molecular separation. For a given pore size, these nanofilms have 2 to 10 times higher pore density (assuming the same tortuosity) than reported and commercial organic solvent nanofiltration membranes, yielding ultra-high solvent permeance, even if they are thicker. Owing to exceptional mechanical, chemical, and thermal stabilities, CDTO nanofilms with designable, rigid nanopores exhibited long-term stable and efficient organic separation under harsh conditions.

Green and Sustainable Membranes: A review

Membranes are ubiquitous tools for modern water treatment technology that critically eliminate hazardous materials such as organic, inorganic, heavy metals, and biomedical pollutants. Nowadays, nano-membranes are of particular interest for myriad applications such as water treatment, desalination, ion exchange, ion concentration control, and several kinds of biomedical applications. However, this state-of-the-art technology suffers from some drawbacks, e.g., toxicity and fouling of contaminants, which makes the synthesis of green and sustainable membranes indeed safety-threatening. Typically, sustainability, non-toxicity, performance optimization, and commercialization are concerns centered on manufacturing green synthesized membranes. Thus, critical issues related to toxicity, biosafety, and mechanistic aspects of green-synthesized nano-membranes have to be systematically and comprehensively reviewed and discussed. Herein we evaluate various aspects of green nano-membranes in terms of their synthesis, characterization, recycling, and commercialization aspects. Nanomaterials intended for nano-membrane development are classified in view of their chemistry/synthesis, advantages, and limitations. Indeed, attaining prominent adsorption capacity and selectivity in green-synthesized nano-membranes requires multi-objective optimization of a number of materials and manufacturing parameters. In addition, the efficacy and removal performance of green nano-membranes are analyzed theoretically and experimentally to provide researchers and manufacturers with a comprehensive image of green nano-membrane efficiency under real environmental conditions.

The recent advance of precisely designed membranes for sieving

Developing new membranes with both high selectivity and permeability is critical in membrane science since conventional membranes are often limited by the trade-off between selectivity and permeability. In recent years, the emergence of advanced materials with accurate structures at atomic or molecular scale, such as metal organic framework, covalent organic framework, graphene, has accelerated the development of membranes, which benefits the precision of membrane structures. In this review, current state-of-the-art membranes are first reviewed and classified into three different types according to the structures of their building blocks, including laminar structured membranes, framework structured membranes and channel structured membranes, followed by the performance and applications for representative separations (liquid separation and gas separation) of these precisely designed membranes. Last, the challenges and opportunities of these advanced membranes are also discussed.

Bottom-up synthesis of two-dimensional carbon with vertically aligned ordered micropores for ultrafast nanofiltration

Two-dimensional (2D) carbon materials perforated with uniform micropores are considered ideal building blocks to fabricate advanced membranes for molecular separation and energy storage devices with high rate capabilities. However, creating high-density uniform micropores in 2D carbon using conventional perforation methods remains a formidable challenge. Here, we report a zeolite-templated bottom-up synthesis of ordered microporous 2D carbon. Through rational analysis of 255 zeolite structures, we find that the IWV zeolite having large 2D microporous channels and aluminosilicate compositions can serve as an ideal template for carbon replication. The resulting carbon is made of an extremely thin polyaromatic backbone and contains well-defined vertically aligned micropores (0.69 nm in diameter). Its areal pore density (0.70 nm^-2) is considerably greater than that of porous graphene (<0.05 nm^-2) prepared using top-down perforation methods. The isoporous membrane fabricated by assembling the exfoliated 2D carbon nanosheets exhibits outstanding permeance and molecular sieving properties in organic solvent nanofiltration.

Catalyst regulated interfacial synthesis of self-standing covalent organic framework membranes at room temperature for molecular separation

Covalent organic framework (COF) membranes have shown enormous potential for molecular separation due to their large surface areas and pre-designable structures. However, the mild and convenient preparation of COF membranes with high crystallinity has remained a significant challenge. In this work, we reported on a facile liquid-liquid interfacial polymerization method to fabricate self-standing imine-based COF membranes with excellent crystallinity and a tunable thickness at room temperature. Polymerization was confined at the immiscible organic solvent-water interface when the monomers in the dichloromethane met the catalyst aqueous solution. This unique design concept exploited the rapid formation of COF monolayers at the liquid-liquid interface to control catalyst diffusion and structural rearrangement, achieving high crystallinity of the COF membrane. Moreover, the thickness of the self-standing COF membranes could be regulated from 50 nm to 1 μm through the flexible regulation of the growth process. Benefiting from the large surface area of the COF membranes (378 m2/g) and the intensive π-π conjugate effect between the COFs and organic dyes, the obtained COF membranes exhibited high adsorption capacities toward Chrome Black T and Rose Bengal. This work may open a viable avenue to easily and mildly prepare COF membranes for water treatment.

Materials nanoarchitectonics in a two-dimensional world within a nanoscale distance from the liquid phase

Promoted understanding of nanotechnology has enabled the construction of functional materials with nanoscale-regulated structures. Accordingly, materials science requires one-step further innovation by coupling nanotechnology with the other materials sciences. As a post-nanotechnology concept, nanoarchitectonics has recently been proposed. It is a methodology to architect functional material systems using atomic, molecular, and nanomaterial unit-components. One of the attractive methodologies would be to develop nanoarchitectonics in a defined dimensional environment with certain dynamism, such as liquid interfaces. However, nanoarchitectonics at liquid interfaces has not been fully explored because of difficulties in direct observations and evaluations with high-resolutions. This unsatisfied situation in the nanoscale understanding of liquid interfaces may keep liquid interfaces as unexplored and attractive frontiers in nanotechnology and nanoarchitectonics. Research efforts related to materials nanoarchitectonics on liquid interfaces have been continuously made. As exemplified in this review paper, a wide range of materials can be organized and functionalized on liquid interfaces, including organic molecules, inorganic nanomaterials, hybrids, organic semiconductor thin films, proteins, and stem cells. Two-dimensional nanocarbon sheets have been fabricated by molecular reactions at dynamically moving interfaces, and metal-organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks have been fabricated by specific interactions and reactions at liquid interfaces. Therefore, functions such as sensors, devices, energy-related applications, and cell control are being explored. In fact, the potential for the nanoarchitectonics of functional materials in two-dimensional nanospaces at liquid surfaces is sufficiently high. On the basis of these backgrounds, this short review article describes recent approaches to materials nanoarchitectonics in a liquid-based two-dimensional world, i.e., interfacial regions within a nanoscale distance from the liquid phase.

Efficacious and sustained release of an anticancer drug mitoxantrone from new covalent organic frameworks using protein corona

Solid porous and crystalline covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are characterized by their higher specific BET surface areas and functional pore walls, which allow the adsorption of various bioactive molecules inside the porous lattices. We have introduced a perylene-based COF, PER@PDA-COF-1, which acts as an effective porous volumetric reservoir for an anticancer drug, mitoxantrone (MXT). The drug-loaded COF (MXT-PER@PDA-COF-1) exhibited zero cellular release of MXT towards cancer cells, which can be attributed to the strong intercalation between the anthracene-dione motif of the drug and the perylene-based COF backbone. Here, we have introduced a strategy involving the serum-albumin-triggered intracellular release of mitoxantrone from MXT-PER@PDA-COF-1. The serum albumin acts as an exfoliating agent and as a colloidal stabilizer in PBS medium (pH = 7.4), rapidly forming a protein corona around the exfoliated COF crystallites and inducing the sustained release of MXT from the COF into tumorigenic cells.

Ultrathin Membranes for Separations: A New Era Driven by Advanced Nanotechnology

Ultrathin membranes are at the forefront of membrane research, offering great opportunities in revolutionizing separations with ultrafast transport. Driven by advanced nanomaterials and manufacturing technology, tremendous progresses are made over the last 15 years in the fabrications and applications of sub-50 nm membranes. Here, an overview of state-of-the-art ultrathin membranes is first introduced, followed by a summary of the fabrication techniques with an emphasis on how to realize such extremely low thickness. Then, different types of ultrathin membranes, categorized based on their structures, that is, network, laminar, or framework structures, are discussed with a focus on the interplays among structure, fabrication methods, and separation performances. Recent research and development trends are highlighted. Meanwhile, the performances and applications of current ultrathin membranes for representative separations (gas separation and liquid separation) are thoroughly analyzed and compared. Last, the challenges in material design, structure construction, and coordination are given, in order to fully realize the potential of ultrathin membranes and facilitate the translation from scientific achievements to industrial productions.

Large-Area 2D Covalent Organic Framework Membranes with Tunable Single-Digit Nanopores for Predictable Mass Transport

The potential of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for molecular separations remains unrealized because of challenges transforming nanoscale COF materials into large-area functional COF membranes. Herein, we report the synthesis of large-area (64 cm²), ultrathin (24 nm), β-ketoenamine-linked 2D COFs using a facile interfacial polymerization technique. Angstrom-level control over single-digit nanopore size (1.4-2.0 nm) is achieved by direct integration of variable-length monomers. We apply these techniques to fabricate a series of large-area 2D COF membranes with variable thicknesses, pore sizes, and supporting materials. Tunable 2D COF properties enable control over COF membrane mass transport, resulting in high solvent fluxes and sharp molecular weight cutoffs. For organic solvent nanofiltration, the 2D COF membranes demonstrate an order-of-magnitude greater permeance than the state-of-the-art commercial polymeric membrane. We apply continuum models to quantify the dominance of pore passage resistance to mass transport over pore entrance resistance. A strong linear correlation between single-digit nanopore tortuosity and 2D COF thickness enables solvent fluxes to be predicted directly from solvent viscosity and COF membrane properties. Solvent-nanopore interactions characterized by the membrane critical interfacial tension also appear to influence mass transport. The pore flow transport model is validated by predicting the flux of a 52 nm thick COF membrane.

Nanocomposite based on graphene and intercalated covalent organic frameworks with hydrosulphonyl groups for electrochemical determination of heavy metal ions

An electrochemical sensor constructed by intercalated composites was developed for determination of heavy metal ions. The intercalated composites were composed of hydrosulphonyl functional covalent organic frameworks (COF-SH) and graphene (G). The presence of numerous adsorption sites, such as 18 sulfur atoms and 30 nitrogen atoms per big circle of COFs on COF-SH, was beneficial for the accumulation of heavy metals, while the graphene enhanced the electrical conductivity. The obtained sensor under the optimal conditions successfully detected the presence of heavy metal ions in coastal water samples at concentrations ranging from 1 to 1000 μg L^-1. The detection limits of Cd (II), Pb (II), Cu (II), and Hg (II) were 0.3, 0.2, 0.2, and 1.1 μg L^-1, respectively. Furthermore, the sensor still exhibited good stability after multiple uses less than 5%. When it is used in the analysis of actual samples, the recovery of standard addition is higher than 95%. In sum, the combination of hydrosulphonyl functional COFs with graphene looks very promising for the assembly of sensors with high sensitivity toward the determination of heavy metal ions for coastal environmental monitoring.

A Covalent Organic Framework Film for Three-State Near-Infrared Electrochromism and a Molecular Logic Gate

A Kagome structure covalent organic framework (COF) film with three-state NIR electrochromic properties was designed and synthesized. The COF_TPDA-PDA film is composed of hexagonal nanosheets with high crystallinity and has three reversible color states at different applied potentials. It has high absorption spectra changes in the NIR region, ascribed to the strong intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) interaction of the Class III mixed-valence systems of the conjugated triphenylamine species. The film showed sub-second response time (1.3 s for coloring and 0.7 s for bleaching at 1050 nm) and long retention time in the NIR region. COF_TPDA-PDA film shows superior NIR electrochromic properties in term of response time and stability, attributed to the highly ordered porous structure and the π-π stacking structure of the COF_TPDA-PDA architecture. The COF_TPDA-PDA film was applied in mimicking a flip-flop logic gate with optical memory function.

Organic molecular sieve membranes for chemical separations

Molecular separations that enable selective transport of target molecules from gas and liquid molecular mixtures, such as CO2 capture, olefin/paraffin separations, and organic solvent nanofiltration, represent the most energy sensitive and significant demands. Membranes are favored for molecular separations owing to the advantages of energy efficiency, simplicity, scalability, and small environmental footprint. A number of emerging microporous organic materials have displayed great potential as building blocks of molecular separation membranes, which not only integrate the rigid, engineered pore structures and desirable stability of inorganic molecular sieve membranes, but also exhibit a high degree of freedom to create chemically rich combinations/sequences. To gain a deep insight into the intrinsic connections and characteristics of these microporous organic material-based membranes, in this review, for the first time, we propose the concept of organic molecular sieve membranes (OMSMs) with a focus on the precise construction of membrane structures and efficient intensification of membrane processes. The platform chemistries, designing principles, and assembly methods for the precise construction of OMSMs are elaborated. Conventional mass transport mechanisms are analyzed based on the interactions between OMSMs and penetrate(s). Particularly, the 'STEM' guidelines of OMSMs are highlighted to guide the precise construction of OMSM structures and efficient intensification of OMSM processes. Emerging mass transport mechanisms are elucidated inspired by the phenomena and principles of the mass transport processes in the biological realm. The representative applications of OMSMs in gas and liquid molecular mixture separations are highlighted. The major challenges and brief perspectives for the fundamental science and practical applications of OMSMs are tentatively identified.

Self-supporting covalent organic framework membranes synthesized through two different processes: solvothermal annealing and solvent vapor annealing

Rigid, freestanding covalent organic framework (COF-1) membranes have been synthesized from 1,4-benzenediboronic acid (BDBA) precursors using two different approaches: room temperature solvent-vapour annealing (SVA) and solvothermal annealing (SA). Characterization of films using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), and various microscopies shows that the films obtained through the two different routes vary in their retained BDBA proportion, crystal size and macroscale morphology. Gas adsorption measurements give specific surface areas of 579 ± 7 m² g^-1 and 739 ± 11 m² g^-1 respectively, suggesting that the average porosity of these films is competitive with bulk-synthesized COF-1 particles. The films have a stratified structure, with a dense, thin top layer and a thicker, sponge-like base layer. Using nanoindentation, we measured the Young's modulus at the top surface of the SVA and SA films to be 3.64 ± 1.20 GPa and 3.33 ± 0.12 GPa respectively, with the smaller uncertainty for the SA film attributed to a more uniform morphology. These measurements provide useful experimental data pertaining to COF-1 mechanical properties, furnishing information relevant to the use of these free-standing membranes in applications such as gas filtration or storage.

MOF-in-COF molecular sieving membrane for selective hydrogen separation

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are promising materials for advanced molecular-separation membranes, but their wide nanometer-sized pores prevent selective gas separation through molecular sieving. Herein, we propose a MOF-in-COF concept for the confined growth of metal-organic framework (MOFs) inside a supported COF layer to prepare MOF-in-COF membranes. These membranes feature a unique MOF-in-COF micro/nanopore network, presumably due to the formation of MOFs as a pearl string-like chain of unit cells in the 1D channel of 2D COFs. The MOF-in-COF membranes exhibit an excellent hydrogen permeance (>3000 GPU) together with a significant enhancement of separation selectivity of hydrogen over other gases. The superior separation performance for H2/CO2 and H2/CH4 surpasses the Robeson upper bounds, benefiting from the synergy combining precise size sieving and fast molecular transport through the MOF-in-COF channels. The synthesis of different combinations of MOFs and COFs in robust MOF-in-COF membranes demonstrates the versatility of our design strategy.

Covalent organic framework-based membranes for liquid separation

This review summarizes the synthesis and characterization methods of COF-based membranes in recent years and discusses their separation mechanism and application in liquid separation.

Porous framework-based hybrid materials for solar-to-chemical energy conversion: from powder photocatalysts to photoelectrodes

Porous framework materials such as metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can be considered promising materials for solar-to-chemical energy conversion.

Screen printing directed synthesis of covalent organic framework membranes with water sieving property

An effective approach of screen printing has been developed to direct the synthesis of continuous COF membranes. The prepared membranes exhibit fast and selective water permeation properties.