High-field and fast-spinning 1H MAS NMR spectroscopy for the characterization of two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks

Two-dimensional (2D) materials, like 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs), have been attracting increasing research interest. They are usually obtained as polycrystalline powders. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy is capable of delivering structural information about such materials. Previous studies have applied, for example, C-13 cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CP MAS) NMR experiments to characterize 2D COFs. Herein, we demonstrate the usefulness of high-field and fast-spinning H-1 MAS NMR spectroscopy to resolve and quantify the signals of different H-1 species within 2D COFs, including the edge sites and/or defects. Moreover, H-1-C-13 heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) spectroscopy has also been applied and can provide improved resolution to obtain further information about stacking effects as well as edge sites/defects.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the usefulness of high-field and fast-spinning H-1 MAS NMR spectroscopy in resolving and quantifying different H-1 species, including edge sites and defects, within 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs). H-1-C-13 heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) spectroscopy provides improved resolution and further information about stacking effects and edge sites/defects.