Connecting Microscopic Structures, Mesoscale Assemblies, and Macroscopic Architectures in 3D-Printed Hierarchical Porous Covalent Organic Framework Foams

Abstract

The induction of macro and mesopores into two-dimensional porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) could enhance the exposure of the intrinsic micropores toward the pollutant environment, thereby, improving the performance. However, the challenge is to build a continuous hierarchically porous macro-architecture of crystalline organic materials in the bulk scale. In this regard, we have strategized a novel synthetic method to create hierarchically porous COF foams consisting of ordered micropores (2-2.2 nm) and disordered meso and macropores (50 nm to 200 μm) as well as ordered macropores (1.5 mm to 2 cm). Herein, graphene oxide was used for creating disordered macro and mesopores in COF-GO foams. Considering the rheological features of the precursor hydrogel, we could integrate crystalline and porous COF-GO foams into self-supported three-dimensional (3D)-printed objects with the desired shapes and sizes. Therefore, we have engineered the 3D macro-architecture of COF-GO foams into complex geometries keeping their structural order and continuous porosity intact over a range of more than a million (10^-9 m to 10^-3 m). The interconnected 3D openings in these COF-GO foams further enhance the rapid and efficient uptake of organic and inorganic pollutants from water (>95% removal within 30 s). The abundant distribution of interconnected macroporous volume (55%) throughout the COF-GO foam matrix enhances the flow of water (1.13 × 10^-3 m·s^-1) which results in efficient mass transport and adsorption.