New paper in Nature Synthesis

20 02 2025

Check out our new paper in Nature Synthesis co-authored by Dr. Wojciech Danowski and Piotr Cieciórski MSc in collaboration with the University of Strasbourg (France) and Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (Germany).

Synthesis of micrometre-thick oriented 2D covalent organic framework films by a kinetic polymerization pathway
Nature Synthesis, 2025, DOI: 10.1038/s44160-025-00741-7

Despite advances in 2D polymerization, synthesizing high-quality, micrometer-thick films of oriented 2D COFs remains challenging due to the trade-off between orientation and thickness. We developed a simple synthetic method that leverages the processability of kinetically trapped amorphous 3D covalent adaptable network intermediates. Upon drop-casting, these polymeric networks spontaneously align to relieve tensile stress associated with solvent evaporation. A lift-off process followed by solvothermal treatment then converts these intermediates into porous, free-standing 2D COF films with near-perfect face-on orientation and outstanding mechanical properties. This versatile strategy enables the synthesis of large-area, highly aligned 2D COF films from diverse building blocks and network topologies.