Integrating Bifunctionality and Chemical Stability in Covalent Organic Frameworks via One-Pot Multicomponent Reactions for Solar-Driven H₂O₂ Production

Abstract

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) can be used to introduce different functionalities into highly stable covalent organic frameworks (COFs). In this work, the irreversible three-component Doebner reaction is utilized to synthesize four chemically stable quinoline-4-carboxylic acid DMCR-COFs (<b>DMCR-1-3</b> and <b>DMCR-1NH</b>) equipped with an acid-base bifunctionality. These DMCR-COFs show superior photocatalytic H₂O₂ evolution (one of the most important industrial oxidants) compared to the imine COF analogue (<b>Imine-1</b>). This is achieved with sacrificial oxidants but also in pure water and under an oxygen or air atmosphere. Furthermore, the DMCR-COFs show high photostability, durability, and recyclability. MCR-COFs thus provide a viable materials' platform for solar to chemical energy conversion.