Dimensional Isomerism in COFs Enabled by Spirobifluorene Substitution for Enhanced Photocatalytic CO 2 Reduction

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Authors: Xiaotao Wang, Hailong Zhang, Xuhan Zheng, Jialin Cui, Miao Yu, Hui Liu, Yingjie Zhao
Cited by: 1
References: 53

Abstract

ABSTRACT The concept of dimensional isomerism—covalent organic frameworks (COFs) constructed from identical molecular precursors but forming structures of different dimensions—remains largely unexplored. Here, we report a pair of isomeric COFs derived from the same spirobifluorene core, wherein substitution at either the C2/C7 or C3/C6 positions leads to the formation of a planar two‐dimensional (2D) or a nonplanar three‐dimensional (3D) framework, respectively. This substitution‐controlled strategy enables precise modulation of π‐conjugation and framework dimensionality without altering the molecular identity of the building block. Comparative photocatalytic experiments reveal that the 2D C2/C7‐substituted COF exhibits significantly superior CO 2 reduction activity under visible light, attributed to its extended conjugation and efficient charge transport. These findings underscore the critical role of molecular connectivity in determining the structure–function relationships of COFs and propose a generalizable approach for designing high‐performance photocatalytic materials through topological isomerism.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Covalent Organic Framework Applications Carbon dioxide utilization in catalysis CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts

Publication details

Journal / source
Angewandte Chemie
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
138
Issue
31
Publication date
28 May 2026
Language
EN