Integrating Bifunctionality and Chemical Stability in Covalent Organic Frameworks via One-Pot Multicomponent Reactions for Solar-Driven H2O2 Production

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) can be used to introduce different functionalities into highly stable covalent organic frameworks (COFs). In this work, the irreversible three-component Doebner reaction is utilized to synthesize four chemically stable quinoline-4-carboxylic acid DMCR-COFs (DMCR-1-3 and DMCR-1NH) equipped with an acid-base bifunctionality. These DMCR-COFs show superior photocatalytic H2O2 evolution (one of the most important industrial oxidants) compared to the imine COF analogue (Imine-1). This is achieved with sacrificial oxidants but also in pure water and under an oxygen or air atmosphere. Furthermore, the DMCR-COFs show high photostability, durability, and recyclability. MCR-COFs thus provide a viable materials' platform for solar to chemical energy conversion.

Automated summary

In this study, different functionalities were introduced into highly stable covalent organic frameworks (COFs) using multicomponent reactions (MCRs). Four chemically stable quinoline-4-carboxylic acid DMCR-COFs equipped with an acid-base bifunctionality were successfully synthesized. These DMCR-COFs exhibited superior photocatalytic H2O2 evolution compared to the imine COF analogue. Furthermore, they showed high photostability, durability, and recyclability, making them a promising materials' platform for solar to chemical energy conversion.