Emulsifier-modulated covalent organic frameworks for photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are efficient semiconductor materials with superior catalytic activity and adjustable band gaps for the efficient degradation of organic pollutants in water. However, the synthetic yield of COF is generally small and only exists in the laboratory stage. In this paper, we introduced an emulsifier-mediated strategy into the synthesis of a COF for the first time and synthesized a COF with higher crystallinity and a higher synthetic yield of 84.7%. The specific surface area of BJH was also increased from 388.7 m(2) g(-1) to 1678.5 m(2) g(-1) and the photocatalytic degradation efficacy of 10 ppm methylene blue was increased from 26% to 100% within 50 min. This work provides a promising strategy to achieve a COF with a higher surface area, synthetic yield and photocatalytic efficacy via the emulsifier-mediated strategy, which would promote the industrial and practical production of COFs.

Automated summary

In this study, an emulsifier-mediated strategy was introduced into the synthesis of COF for the first time, leading to the successful synthesis of a COF with higher crystallinity and a synthetic yield of 84.7%. The specific surface area and photocatalytic degradation efficacy were significantly improved. This work provides a promising approach for achieving COF with higher surface area, synthetic yield, and photocatalytic efficacy, which could promote the industrial and practical production of COFs.