Hollow COF Synthesis With Monomer Displacement for Structure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for preparing covalent organic frameworks (COFs) result in irregular solid spherical structures, limiting their application range due to the inability to achieve precise customization of micro-scale structure, particularly in terms of particle size and wall thickness.

Innovation Solution

A monomer displacement strategy is employed, involving polycondensation of specific monomers with modifiers and catalysts to control the particle size, wall thickness, and specific surface area of hollow COF materials, allowing for precise customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods are used to prepare COFs, then the preparation process is simple, but the micro-scale structure cannot be precisely customized (irregular solid spherical structure)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicro-scale structure customizationVSAvoidpreparation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by using template molecules that are introduced before the COF formation process. These templates pre-establish the hollow spherical structure and size constraints, allowing precise control over micro-scale structure without requiring complex post-processing steps. The templates are incorporated into the reaction system beforehand to dictate the final morphology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses template molecules as intermediaries that mediate between the monomer components and the final COF structure. These templates act as structural guides that translate chemical reactions into precise geometric outcomes, enabling customized hollow spherical structures with controlled particle size and wall thickness through the intermediary template molecules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If hollow spherical COFs are prepared without templates, then the preparation process is simplified, but the particle size and wall thickness cannot be regulated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size and wall thickness controlVSAvoidreaction system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the size, shape, and chemical properties of the template molecules to precisely control the resulting COF particle size and wall thickness. By changing template parameters (such as molecular weight, geometry, and functional groups), the patent achieves regulated hollow spherical structures with specific dimensional characteristics without requiring overly complex reaction systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional COF preparation methods are used, then the process is straightforward, but the specific surface area cannot be precisely controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecific surface area controlVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses template molecules that pre-determine the internal cavity structure and surface area before the COF forms. This preliminary structural imposition allows precise control over specific surface area while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes, as the template guides the self-assembly process rather than requiring complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method enables the production of hollow COF materials with controllable particle size, wall thickness, and specific surface area, enhancing their performance in applications such as catalysis, separation, storage, and drug release.

Implementation Method 1

subjecting trialdehyde monomer B3 and diamine monomer A2 to polycondensation to obtain a polycondensate B3A2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolycondensation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

adding a catalyst to initiate a reaction, thereby obtaining a product A3B3 in form of a precipitate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

obtaining a product A3B3 in form of a precipitate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Data Source

PatentUS12624144B2Method for preparing hollow covalent organic framework materials
Publication Date: 2026.05.12 ZHEJIANG UNIV

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a hollow covalent organic framework (COF) material and hollow COF material prepared by said method. Said method is characterized in including a monomer displacement step in the method, thereby obtaining the hollow COF material with a controllable particle size, wall thickness and/or specific surface area.