Enhancing Photocatalytic Performance of Imine-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) through Grafting Methoxyl Groups

Abstract

Preparing imine-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with good stability and excellent photocatalytic performance is highly desirable. Herein, methoxy groups were successfully grafted on the skeleton of highly stable TTA-DTM-COF through monomer modification strategy. The as-prepared TMTA-DTM-COF has a narrower bandgap and better photoelectric performance, which can be used as an efficient photocatalyst for the conversion of phenyl boronic acids into phenols. Our studies showed that the conversion efficiency of phenyl boronic acids into phenols using TMTA-DTM-COF as a catalyst was 1.3 times higher than that with TTA-DTM-COF as a catalyst. In addition, TMTA-DTM-COF exhibits excellent recyclability and maintains high stability during cyclic tests. Our research demonstrates that grafting methoxyl groups could be a good strategy to stabilize COFs as efficient metal-free and heterogeneous catalysts for organic conversion.