Modulated Synthesis of Self-Standing Covalent Organic Framework Films

The weak interaction of covalent organic framework (COF) nanoparticles makes the preparation of self-standing COF films difficult. Herein, a modulated strategy for the facile synthesis of self-standing COF films with good crystallinity and tunable thickness is reported. As compared with the non-modulated approach, the modulated strategy changes the COF morphology from nanoparticles to nanofibers, enabling the facile preparation of self-standing COF films with improved mechanical properties. The Young's modulus of the self-standing COF film obtained via the modulated strategy could increase by 26 times. Moreover, self-standing LZU-8 film can be used as a membrane for efficient removal of 99 % mercury ions from aqueous solution. Our results open up a new approach to prepare self-standing COF thin films for practical applications.