Covalent organic framework photocatalysts for green and efficient photochemical transformations

Abstract Artificial photosynthesis is impeded by rapid charge recombination and inefficient use of photogenerated carriers. Here we present covalent organic frameworks with systematically tailored skeletons and pores for green yet efficient photosynthesis with water and air. The hexavalent framework...

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Main Authors: Yongzhi Chen, Yuanyuan Guo, Tie Wang, Sailun Ji, Haipei Shao, Ming Lin, Shu Seki, Ning Yan, Donglin Jiang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61853-4
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author Yongzhi Chen
Yuanyuan Guo
Tie Wang
Sailun Ji
Haipei Shao
Ming Lin
Shu Seki
Ning Yan
Donglin Jiang
author_facet Yongzhi Chen
Yuanyuan Guo
Tie Wang
Sailun Ji
Haipei Shao
Ming Lin
Shu Seki
Ning Yan
Donglin Jiang
author_sort Yongzhi Chen
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Artificial photosynthesis is impeded by rapid charge recombination and inefficient use of photogenerated carriers. Here we present covalent organic frameworks with systematically tailored skeletons and pores for green yet efficient photosynthesis with water and air. The hexavalent frameworks with non-conjugated photocatalytic skeletons enable water oxidation at knot corners and oxygen reduction at linker edges, while orientated triangular micropores timely supply water and air. Noteworthily, the framework with the highest π density and smallest supermicropores exhibits optimal charge separation and utilization and achieves rapid, efficient and cyclable hydrogen peroxide production in both batch and membrane reactors. Remarkably, the supermicroporous framework instantly removes organic dye contaminants from water and fully degrades these dyes under visible light. Our findings enable a paradigm shift to the systematic design of both electron/hole flow and mass transport for constructing photocatalysts, which are not only scientifically important but also technologically key to shaping sustainable society and future.
format Article
id doaj-art-d588d969d91f48a2a504bb9688856b74
institution Kabale University
issn 2041-1723
language English
publishDate 2025-07-01
publisher Nature Portfolio
record_format Article
series Nature Communications
spelling doaj-art-d588d969d91f48a2a504bb9688856b742025-08-20T03:43:00ZengNature PortfolioNature Communications2041-17232025-07-0116111210.1038/s41467-025-61853-4Covalent organic framework photocatalysts for green and efficient photochemical transformationsYongzhi Chen0Yuanyuan Guo1Tie Wang2Sailun Ji3Haipei Shao4Ming Lin5Shu Seki6Ning Yan7Donglin Jiang8Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3School of Science, Beijing University of Posts and TelecommunicationsDepartment of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4Department of Molecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-kuDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science (IMRE), Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03Department of Molecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-kuDepartment of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3Abstract Artificial photosynthesis is impeded by rapid charge recombination and inefficient use of photogenerated carriers. Here we present covalent organic frameworks with systematically tailored skeletons and pores for green yet efficient photosynthesis with water and air. The hexavalent frameworks with non-conjugated photocatalytic skeletons enable water oxidation at knot corners and oxygen reduction at linker edges, while orientated triangular micropores timely supply water and air. Noteworthily, the framework with the highest π density and smallest supermicropores exhibits optimal charge separation and utilization and achieves rapid, efficient and cyclable hydrogen peroxide production in both batch and membrane reactors. Remarkably, the supermicroporous framework instantly removes organic dye contaminants from water and fully degrades these dyes under visible light. Our findings enable a paradigm shift to the systematic design of both electron/hole flow and mass transport for constructing photocatalysts, which are not only scientifically important but also technologically key to shaping sustainable society and future.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61853-4
spellingShingle Yongzhi Chen
Yuanyuan Guo
Tie Wang
Sailun Ji
Haipei Shao
Ming Lin
Shu Seki
Ning Yan
Donglin Jiang
Covalent organic framework photocatalysts for green and efficient photochemical transformations
Nature Communications
title Covalent organic framework photocatalysts for green and efficient photochemical transformations
title_full Covalent organic framework photocatalysts for green and efficient photochemical transformations
title_fullStr Covalent organic framework photocatalysts for green and efficient photochemical transformations
title_full_unstemmed Covalent organic framework photocatalysts for green and efficient photochemical transformations
title_short Covalent organic framework photocatalysts for green and efficient photochemical transformations
title_sort covalent organic framework photocatalysts for green and efficient photochemical transformations
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61853-4
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AT sailunji covalentorganicframeworkphotocatalystsforgreenandefficientphotochemicaltransformations
AT haipeishao covalentorganicframeworkphotocatalystsforgreenandefficientphotochemicaltransformations
AT minglin covalentorganicframeworkphotocatalystsforgreenandefficientphotochemicaltransformations
AT shuseki covalentorganicframeworkphotocatalystsforgreenandefficientphotochemicaltransformations
AT ningyan covalentorganicframeworkphotocatalystsforgreenandefficientphotochemicaltransformations
AT donglinjiang covalentorganicframeworkphotocatalystsforgreenandefficientphotochemicaltransformations