Synthesis and Tailored Properties Towards Designer Covalent Organic Framework Thin Films and Heterostructures

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advances in the synthesis, properties, and integration of covalent organic framework (COF) thin films, emphasizing their potential in various technological applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of methods for creating COF thin films and discusses their tailored properties and integration with other materials for advanced device applications.

Findings

Progress in thin film synthesis techniques

Enhanced mechanical and functional properties of COF films

Potential applications in electronics, sensors, and filtration

Abstract

Porous polymeric covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been under intense synthetic investigation with over 100 unique structural motifs known. In order to realize the true potential of these materials, converting the powders into thin films with strict control of thickness and morphology is necessary and accomplished through techniques including interfacial synthesis, chemical exfoliation and mechanical delamination. Recent progress in the construction and tailored properties of thin film COFs are highlighted in this review, addressing mechanical properties as well as application-focused properties in filtration, electronics, sensors, electrochemical, magnetics, optoelectronics and beyond. Additionally, heterogeneous integration of these thin films with other inorganic and organic materials is discussed, revealing exciting opportunities to integrate COF thin films with other state of the art material and device systems.