Spacer-Engineered Ionic Channels in Covalent Organic Framework Membranes toward Ultrafast Proton Transport.

Abstract

Side-chain engineering of covalent organic frameworks as advanced ion conductors is a critical issue to be explored. Herein, ionic covalent organic framework membranes (iCOFMs) with spacer-engineered ionic channel are de novo designed and prepared. The ionic channels are decorated with side chains comprising spacers having different carbon chain lengths and the -SO3 H groups at the end. Attributed to the synergistic contribution from the spacers and the -SO3 H groups, the iCOFM with moderate-length spacer exhibit the highest through-plane proton conductivity of 889 mS cm-1 at 90°C.