University Chemistry ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (6): 256-265.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202408045

• Chemistry Laboratory • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Experimental Teaching Design for the Preparation of Covalent Organic Framework Single Crystals in the Aqueous Phase

Yueshuai Xu1, Wei Liu2, Xudong Chen1,3, Zhikun Zheng1,2,3   

  1. 1 School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China;
    2 School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China;
    3 School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
  • Received:2024-08-11 Accepted:2024-11-21 Published:2025-06-20
  • Contact: ZHENG Zhikun, CHEN Xudong E-mail:zhengzhikun@mail.sysu.edu.cn;chenxd@gdut.edu.cn

Abstract: Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) are a novel class of crystalline porous polymers that exhibit great potential in fields such as electronics, optoelectronics, energy storage, catalysis, environmental applications, and separation processes. Their remarkable properties, including tunable chemical structures, adjustable porosity, low density, high specific surface area, excellent stability, and diverse functional characteristics, make them promising materials. To realize these applications, it is essential to establish clear correlations between COFs’ structures and properties, which requires the controlled synthesis of COF single crystals. This experiment integrates the authors’ recent scientific findings and introduces the cutting-edge field of COFs into undergraduate laboratory courses. The experimental content covers the controlled synthesis of COF single crystals, as well as their structural and property characterization. In addition to standard chemical techniques, students will also acquire hands-on experience with large-scale instruments.

Key words: Covalent organic frameworks, Single crystal, Structure and property, Frontier research area