Organic Chemistry Seminar

Polymerizing monomers into periodic two-dimensional (2D) networks provides structurally precise, layered macromolecular sheets linked by robust, covalent bonds. These materials exhibit desirable mechanical, optoelectrotronic, and molecular transport properties derived from their designed structure and permanent porosity. 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) offer broad monomer scope but are generally isolated as insoluble powders comprised of aggregated nanometer-scale crystallites. I will present how a mechanistic investigation of 2D COF formation has led to improved control in their synthesis, along with intriguing possibilities that have emerged in related materials systems derived from molecular assemblies.