Recent advances in two-step energy transfer light-harvesting systems driven by non-covalent self-assembly

Sequential energy transfer is ubiquitous in natural light-harvesting systems(LHSs),which greatly promotes the exploitation of light energy.The LHSs in nature are sophisticated supramolecular assemblies of chlorophyll molecules that carry out efficient light harvesting through cascade energy transfer process.Inspired by nature,scientists have paid much attention to fabricate stepwise LHSs based on assorted supramolecular scaffolds in recent years.Light-harvesting antennas and energy acceptors can be accommodated in particular scaffolds,which offer great convenience for energy transfer between them.These systems not only further mimic photosynthesis,but also demonstrate many potential applications,such as photocatalysis,tunable luminescence,and information encryption,etc.In this review article,aiming at offering a practical guide to this emerging research field,the introduction of construction strategies towards sequential LHSs will be presented.Different scaffolds are classified and highlighted,including host-guest assemblies,metal-coordination assemblies,as well as bio-macromolecular and other supramolecular scaffolds.

All‑Covalent Organic Framework Nanofilms Assembled Lithium‑Ion Capacitor to Solve the Imbalanced Charge Storage Kinetics

Free-standing covalent organic framework(COFs)nanofilms exhibit a remarkable ability to rapidly intercalate/de-intercalate Li^(+) in lithium-ion batteries,while simultaneously exposing affluent active sites in supercapacitors.The development of these nanofilms offers a promising solution to address the persistent challenge of imbalanced charge storage kinetics between battery-type anode and capacitor-type cathode in lithium-ion capacitors(LICs).Herein,for the first time,custom-made COFBTMB-TP and COFTAPB-BPY nanofilms are synthesized as the anode and cathode,respectively,for an all-COF nanofilm-structured LIC.The COFBTMB-TP nanofilm with strong electronegative–CF3 groups enables tuning the partial electron cloud density for Li^(+) migration to ensure the rapid anode kinetic process.The thickness-regulated cathodic COFTAPB-BPY nanofilm can fit the anodic COF nanofilm in the capacity.Due to the aligned 1D channel,2D aromatic skeleton and accessible active sites of COF nanofilms,the whole COFTAPB-BPY//COFBTMB-TP LIC demonstrates a high energy density of 318 mWh cm^(−3) at a high-power density of 6 W cm^(−3),excellent rate capability,good cycle stability with the capacity retention rate of 77%after 5000-cycle.The COFTAPB-BPY//COFBTMB-TP LIC represents a new benchmark for currently reported film-type LICs and even film-type supercapacitors.After being comprehensively explored via ex situ XPS,7Li solid-state NMR analyses,and DFT calculation,it is found that the COFBTMB-TP nanofilm facilitates the reversible conversion of semi-ionic to ionic C–F bonds during lithium storage.COFBTMB-TP exhibits a strong interaction with Li^(+) due to the C–F,C=O,and C–N bonds,facilitating Li^(+) desolation and absorption from the electrolyte.This work addresses the challenge of imbalanced charge storage kinetics and capacity between the anode and cathode and also pave the way for future miniaturized and wearable LIC devices.

Challenges and Opportunities in Preserving Key Structural Features of 3D-Printed Metal/Covalent Organic Framework

Metal-organic framework(MOF)and covalent organic framework(COF)are a huge group of advanced porous materials exhibiting attractive and tunable microstructural features,such as large surface area,tunable pore size,and functional surfaces,which have significant values in various application areas.The emerging 3D printing technology further provides MOF and COFs(M/COFs)with higher designability of their macrostructure and demonstrates large achievements in their performance by shaping them into advanced 3D monoliths.However,the currently available 3D printing M/COFs strategy faces a major challenge of severe destruction of M/COFs’microstructural features,both during and after 3D printing.It is envisioned that preserving the microstructure of M/COFs in the 3D-printed monolith will bring a great improvement to the related applications.In this overview,the 3D-printed M/COFs are categorized into M/COF-mixed monoliths and M/COF-covered monoliths.Their differences in the properties,applications,and current research states are discussed.The up-to-date advancements in paste/scaffold composition and printing/covering methods to preserve the superior M/COF microstructure during 3D printing are further discussed for the two types of 3D-printed M/COF.Throughout the analysis of the current states of 3D-printed M/COFs,the expected future research direction to achieve a highly preserved microstructure in the 3D monolith is proposed.

Covalent Organic Framework with 3D Ordered Channel and Multi-Functional Groups Endows Zn Anode with Superior Stability

Achieving a highly robust zinc(Zn)metal anode is extremely important for improving the performance of aqueous Zn-ion batteries(AZIBs)for advancing“carbon neutrality”society,which is hampered by the uncontrollable growth of Zn dendrite and severe side reactions including hydrogen evolution reaction,corrosion,and passivation,etc.Herein,an interlayer containing fluorinated zincophilic covalent organic framework with sulfonic acid groups(COF-S-F)is developed on Zn metal(Zn@COF-S-F)as the artificial solid electrolyte interface(SEI).Sulfonic acid group(-SO_(3)H)in COF-S-F can effectively ameliorate the desolvation process of hydrated Zn ions,and the three-dimensional channel with fluoride group(-F)can provide interconnected channels for the favorable transport of Zn ions with ion-confinement effects,endowing Zn@COF-S-F with dendrite-free morphology and suppressed side reactions.Consequently,Zn@COF-S-F symmetric cell can stably cycle for 1,000 h with low average hysteresis voltage(50.5 m V)at the current density of 1.5 m A cm^(-2).Zn@COF-S-F|Mn O_(2)cell delivers the discharge specific capacity of 206.8 m Ah g^(-1)at the current density of 1.2 A g^(-1)after 800 cycles with high-capacity retention(87.9%).Enlightening,building artificial SEI on metallic Zn surface with targeted design has been proved as the effective strategy to foster the practical application of high-performance AZIBs.

Advances of Electrochemical and Electrochemiluminescent Sensors Based on Covalent Organic Frameworks

Covalent organic frameworks(COFs),a rapidly developing category of crystalline conjugated organic polymers,possess highly ordered structures,large specific surface areas,stable chemical properties,and tunable pore microenvironments.Since the first report of boroxine/boronate ester-linked COFs in 2005,COFs have rapidly gained popularity,showing important application prospects in various fields,such as sensing,catalysis,separation,and energy storage.Among them,COFs-based electrochemical(EC)sensors with upgraded analytical performance are arousing extensive interest.In this review,therefore,we summarize the basic properties and the general synthesis methods of COFs used in the field of electroanalytical chemistry,with special emphasis on their usages in the fabrication of chemical sensors,ions sensors,immunosensors,and aptasensors.Notably,the emerged COFs in the electrochemiluminescence(ECL)realm are thoroughly covered along with their preliminary applications.Additionally,final conclusions on state-of-the-art COFs are provided in terms of EC and ECL sensors,as well as challenges and prospects for extending and improving the research and applications of COFs in electroanalytical chemistry.

Boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution enabled by SiO_(2)-supporting chiral covalent organic frameworks with parallel stacking sequence

Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks(2D COFs)feature extendedπ-conjugation and ordered stacking sequence,showing great promise for high-performance photocatalysis.Periodic atomic frameworks of 2D COFs facilitate the in-plane photogenerated charge transfer,but the precise ordered alignment is limited due to the non-covalentπ-stacking of COF layers,accordingly hindering out-of-plane transfer kinetics.Herein,we address a chiral induction method to construct a parallelly superimposed stacking chiral COF ultrathin shell on the support of SiO_(2) microsphere.Compared to the achiral COF analogues,the chiral COF shell with the parallel AA-stacking structure is more conducive to enhance the built-in electric field and accumulates photogenerated electrons for the rapid migration,thereby affording superior photocatalytic performance in hydrogen evolution from water splitting.Taking the simplest ketoenamine-linked chiral COF as a shell of SiO_(2) particle,the resulting composite exhibits an impressive hydrogen evolution rate of 107.1 mmol g^(-1)h^(-1)along with the apparent quantum efficiency of 14.31% at 475 nm.Furthermore,the composite photocatalysts could be fabricated into a film device,displaying a remarkable photocatalytic performance of 178.0 mmol m^(-2)h^(-1)for hydrogen evolution.Our work underpins the surface engineering of organic photocatalysts and illustrates the significance of COF stacking structures in regulating electronic properties.

Covalently Bonded Ni Sites in Black Phosphorene with Electron Redistribution for Efficient Metal‑Lightweighted Water Electrolysis

The metal-lightweighted electrocatalysts for water splitting are highly desired for sustainable and economic hydrogen energy deployments,but challengeable.In this work,a low-content Ni-functionalized approach triggers the high capability of black phosphorene(BP)with hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction(HER/OER)bifunctionality.Through a facile in situ electro-exfoliation route,the ionized Ni sites are covalently functionalized in BP nanosheets with electron redistribution and controllable metal contents.It is found that the as-fabricated Ni-BP electrocatalysts can drive the water splitting with much enhanced HER and OER activities.In 1.0 M KOH electrolyte,the optimized 1.5 wt%Nifunctionalized BP nanosheets have readily achieved low overpotentials of 136 mV for HER and 230 mV for OER at 10 mA cm^(−2).Moreover,the covalently bonding between Ni and P has also strengthened the catalytic stability of the Ni-functionalized BP electrocatalyst,stably delivering the overall water splitting for 50 h at 20 mA cm^(−2).Theoretical calculations have revealed that Ni–P covalent binding can regulate the electronic structure and optimize the reaction energy barrier to improve the catalytic activity effectively.This work confirms that Ni-functionalized BP is a suitable candidate for electrocatalytic overall water splitting,and provides effective strategies for constructing metal-lightweighted economic electrocatalysts.

Self-assembly of perovskite nanocrystals:From driving forces to applications

Self-assembly of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals(NCs)into superlattices can exhibit unique collective properties,which have significant application values in the display,detector,and solar cell field.This review discusses the driving forces behind the self-assembly process of perovskite NCs,and the commonly used self-assembly methods and different self-assembly structures are detailed.Subsequently,we summarize the collective optoelectronic properties and application areas of perovskite superlattice structures.Finally,we conclude with an outlook on the potential issues and future challenges in developing perovskite NCs.

Alcohol solvent effect on the self-assembly behaviors of lignin oligomers

The interactions between lignin oligomers and solvents determine the behaviors of lignin oligomers self-assembling into uniform lignin nanoparticles(LNPs).Herein,several alcohol solvents,which readily interact with the lignin oligomers,were adopted to study their effects during solvent shifting process for LNPs’production.The lignin oligomers with widely distributed molecular weight and abundant guaiacyl units were extracted from wood waste(mainly consists of pine wood),exerting outstanding self-assembly capability.Uniform and spherical LNPs were generated in H_(2)O-n-propanol cosolvent,whereas irregular LNPs were obtained in H_(2)O-methanol cosolvent.The unsatisfactory self-assembly performance of the lignin oligomers in H_(2)O-methanol cosolvent could be attributed to two aspects.On one hand,for the initial dissolution state,the distinguishing Hansen solubility parameter and polarity between methanol solvent and lignin oligomers resulted in the poor dispersion of the lignin oligomers.On the other hand,strong hydrogen bonds between methanol solvent and lignin oligomers during solvent shifting process,hindered the interactions among the lignin oligomers for self-assembly.

Pyrimidine-containing covalent organic frameworks for efficient photosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide via one-step two electron oxygen reduction process

The photocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), particularly the one-step two-electron (2e−) pathway, is a highly promising strategy for efficient and selective hydrogen peroxide (H_(2)O_(2)) synthesis. However, constructing efficient photocatalysts to achieve a one-step 2e− ORR process remains a significant challenge. Herein, we developed an efficient photocatalyst by incorporating pyrimidine units into benzotrithiophene-based covalent organic framework (BTT-MD-COF), enabling the photosynthesis of H_(2)O_(2) via the one-step 2e− ORR pathway with O_(2) and water. Under visible-light irradiation, BTT-MD-COF exhibited a high H_(2)O_(2) production rate of up to 5691.2 µmol·h^(−1)·g^(−1). Further experimental results and theoretical studies revealed that the introduction of pyrimidine units accelerates the separation of photoinduced electron–hole pairs and promotes Yeager-type O_(2) adsorption, which alters the two-step 2e− ORR process to the direct one-step 2e− process. This work offers a new avenue to create metal-free catalysts for efficient photosynthesis of H_(2)O_(2).

Superior Anodic Lithium Storage in Core–Shell Heterostructures Composed of Carbon Nanotubes and Schiff-Base Covalent Organic Frameworks

Covalent organic frameworks(COFs)after undergoing the superlithiation process promise high-capacity anodes while suffering from sluggish reaction kinetics and low electrochemical utilization of redox-active sites.Herein,integrating carbon nanotubes(CNTs)with imine-linked covalent organic frameworks(COFs)was rationally executed by in-situ Schiff-base condensation between 1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′,5,5′-tetracarbaldehyde and 1,4-diaminobenzene in the presence of CNTs to produce core–shell heterostructured composites(CNT@COF).Accordingly,the redox-active shell of COF nanoparticles around one-dimensional conductive CNTs synergistically creates robust three-dimensional hybrid architectures with high specific surface area,thus promoting electron transport and affording abundant active functional groups accessible for electrochemical utilization throughout the whole electrode.Remarkably,upon the full activation with a superlithiation process,the as-fabricated CNT@COF anode achieves a specific capacity of 2324 mAh g^(−1),which is the highest specific capacity among organic electrode materials reported so far.Meanwhile,the superior rate capability and excellent cycling stability are also obtained.The redox reaction mechanisms for the COF moiety were further revealed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,involving the reversible redox reactions between lithium ions and C=N groups and gradual electrochemical activation of the unsaturated C=C bonds within COFs.

Chitosan/Sodium Alginate Multilayer pH-Sensitive Films Based on Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly for Intelligent Packaging

The abuse of plastic food packaging has brought about severe white pollution issues around the world.Developing green and sustainable biomass packaging is an effective way to solve this problem.Hence,a chitosan/sodium alginate-based multilayer film is fabricated via a layer-by-layer(LBL)self-assembly method.With the help of superior interaction between the layers,the multilayer film possesses excellent mechanical properties(with a tensile strength of 50 MPa).Besides,the film displays outstanding water retention property(blocking moisture of 97.56%)and ultraviolet blocking property.Anthocyanin is introduced into the film to detect the food quality since it is one natural plant polyphenol that is sensitive to the pH changes ranging from 1 to 13 in food when spoilage occurs.It is noted that the film is also bacteriostatic which is desired for food packaging.This study describes a simple technique for the development of advanced multifunctional and fully biodegradable food packaging film and it is a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging.

Metal-free two-dimensional phosphorene-based electrocatalyst with covalent P-N heterointerfacial reconstruction for electrolyte-lean lithium-sulfur batteries

The use of lithium-sulfur batteries under high sulfur loading and low electrolyte concentrations is severely restricted by the detrimental shuttling behavior of polysulfides and the sluggish kinetics in redox processes.Two-dimensional(2D)few layered black phosphorus with fully exposed atoms and high sulfur affinity can be potential lithium-sulfur battery electrocatalysts,which,however,have limitations of restricted catalytic activity and poor electrochemical/chemical stability.To resolve these issues,we developed a multifunctional metal-free catalyst by covalently bonding few layered black phosphorus nanosheets with nitrogen-doped carbon-coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes(denoted c-FBP-NC).The experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations show that the formed polarized P-N covalent bonds in c-FBP-NC can efficiently regulate electron transfer from NC to FBP and significantly promote the capture and catalysis of lithium polysulfides,thus alleviating the shuttle effect.Meanwhile,the robust 1D-2D interwoven structure with large surface area and high porosity allows strong physical confinement and fast mass transfer.Impressively,with c-FBP-NC as the sulfur host,the battery shows a high areal capacity of 7.69 mAh cm^(−2) under high sulfur loading of 8.74 mg cm^(−2) and a low electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 5.7μL mg^(−1).Moreover,the assembled pouch cell with sulfur loading of 4 mg cm^(−2) and an electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 3.5μL mg^(−1) shows good rate capability and outstanding cyclability.This work proposes an interfacial and electronic structure engineering strategy for fast and durable sulfur electrochemistry,demonstrating great potential in lithium-sulfur batteries.

Hollow tubes constructed by carbon nanotubes self-assembly for CO_(2) capture

Carbon nanotubes(CNTs)have garnered significant attention in the fields of science,engineering,and medicine due to their numerous advantages.The initial step towards harnessing the potential of CNTs involves their macroscopic assembly.The present study employed a gentle and direct self-assembly technique,wherein controlled growth of CNT sheaths occurred on the metal wire’s surface,followed by etching of the remaining metal to obtain the hollow tubes composed of CNTs.By controlling the growth time and temperature,it is possible to alter the thickness of the CNTs sheath.After immersing in a solution containing 1 g/L of CNTs at 60℃ for 24 h,the resulting CNTs layer achieved a thickness of up to 60μm.These hollow CNTs tubes with varying inner diameters were prepared through surface reinforcement using polymers and sacrificing metal wires,thereby exhibiting exceptional attributes such as robustness,flexibility,air tightness,and high adsorption capacity that effectively capture CO_(2) from the gas mixture.

Asymmetric fireproof gel polymer electrolyte constructed by boron-contained covalent organic framework for dendrite-free sodium metal battery

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) with flexibility, easy processability, and low cost have been regarded as promising alternatives for conventional liquid electrolytes in next-generation sodium metal batteries (SMBs). However, GPEs often suffer from combustion risk and inferior interfacial compatibility toward Na metal anode, which severely limit their wide commercial applications. Here, a rational design of asymmetric fireproof GPE (AFGPE) modified with a boron-contained covalent organic framework (BCOF) on one side is developed through in-situ crosslinking polymerization process. Benefiting from the unique structure and composition, the resulting AFGPE exhibits high Na+ transference number, wide electrochemical window, excellent mechanical properties and high safety. Especially, the nanoscale BCOF layer with uniform nanochannels works as ion sieve that homogenizes Na+ flux during Na plating process, while the abundant Lewis-acid B sites can strongly capture counter anions and decrease space charge layer at anode side, thus promoting the uniform Na deposition to effectively suppress dendrite growth. Consequently, the Na/AFGPE/Na symmetric cells demonstrate remarkable cycling stability for over 1200 h at 0.1 mA·cm^(-2), and the solid-state SMBs exhibit outstanding cycling properties and rate capability, delivering a high capacity retention of 96.4% under current density of 1 C for over 1000 cycles.

Peripheral carbazole units-decorated MR emitter containing B−N covalent bond for highly efficient green OLEDs with low roll-off

Boron−nitrogen doped multiple resonance(BN-MR)emitters,characterized by B−N covalent bonds,offer distinctive advantages as pivotal building blocks for facile access to novel MR emitters featuring narrowband spectra and high efficiency.However,there remains a scarcity of exploration concerning synthetic methods and structural derivations to expand the library of novel BN-MR emitters.Herein,we present the synthesis of a BN-MR emitter,tCz[B−N]N,through a one-pot borylation reaction directed by the amine group,achieving an impressive yield of 94%.The emitter is decorated by incorporating two 3,6-di-tbutylcarbazole(tCz)units into a B−N covalent bond doped BN-MR parent molecule via para-C−π−D and para-N−π−D conjugations.This peripheral decoration strategy enhances the reverse intersystem crossing process and shifts the emission band towards the pure green region,peaking at 526 nm with a narrowband full-width at half maximum(FWHM)of 41 nm.Consequently,organic light emitting diodes(OLEDs)employing this emitter achieved a maximum external quantum efficiency(EQEmax)value of 27.7%,with minimal efficiency roll-off.Even at a practical luminance of 1000 cd·m^(−2),the device maintains a high EQE value of 24.6%.

Imide-pillared covalent organic framework protective films as stable zinc ion-conducting interphases for dendrite-free Zn metal anodes

The notorious growth of zinc dendrite and the water-induced corrosion of zinc metal anodes(ZMAs)restrict the practical development of aqueous zinc ion batteries(AZIBs).In this work,a zinc metallized,imide-pillared covalent organic framework(ZPC)protective film has been engineered as a stable Zn^(2+)ion-conducting interphase to modulate interfacial kinetics and suppress side reactions for ZMAs.Compared to bare Zn,ZPC@Zn exhibits a higher Zn^(2+)ionic conductivity,a larger Zn^(2+)transference number,a lower electronic conductivity,a smaller desolvation activation energy and correspondingly a significant suppression of corrosion,hydrogen evolution and Zn dendrites.Impressively,the ZPC@Zn||ZPC@Zn symmetric cell obtains a cycling lifespan over 3000 h under 5 mA cm^(-2)for 1 mA h cm^(-2).The ZPC@Zn||NH_(4)V_(4)O_(10)coin-type full battery delivers a specific capacity of 195.8 mA h g^(-1)with a retention rate of78.5%at 2 A g^(-1)after 1100 cycles,and the ZPC@Zn||NH_(4)V_(4)O_(10) pouch full cell shows a retention of70.1%in reversible capacity at 3 A g^(-1)after 1100 cycles.The present incorporation of imide-linked covalent organic frameworks in the surface modification of ZMAs will offer fresh perspectives in the search for ideal protective films for the practicality of AZIBs.

A Solvent-Free Covalent Organic Framework Single-Ion Conductor Based on Ion-Dipole Interaction for All-Solid-State Lithium Organic Batteries

Single-ion conductors based on covalent organic frameworks(COFs)have garnered attention as a potential alternative to currently prevalent inorganic ion conductors owing to their structural uniqueness and chemical versatility.However,the sluggish Li+conduction has hindered their practical applications.Here,we present a class of solvent-free COF single-ion conductors(Li-COF@P)based on weak ion-dipole interaction as opposed to traditional strong ion-ion interaction.The ion(Li+from the COF)-dipole(oxygen from poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate embedded in the COF pores)interaction in the Li-COF@P promotes ion dissociation and Li+migration via directional ionic channels.Driven by this single-ion transport behavior,the Li-COF@P enables reversible Li plating/stripping on Li-metal electrodes and stable cycling performance(88.3%after 2000 cycles)in organic batteries(Li metal anode||5,5’-dimethyl-2,2’-bis-p-benzoquinone(Me2BBQ)cathode)under ambient operating conditions,highlighting the electrochemical viability of the Li-COF@P for all-solid-state organic batteries.

A Non-parametric Gradient-Based Shape Optimization Approach for Solving Inverse Problems in Directed Self-Assemblyof Block Copolymers

We consider the inverse problem of finding guiding pattern shapes that result in desired self-assembly morphologies of block copolymer melts.Specifically,we model polymer selfassembly using the self-consistent field theory and derive,in a non-parametric setting,the sensitivity of the dissimilarity between the desired and the actual morphologies to arbitrary perturbations in the guiding pattern shape.The sensitivity is then used for the optimization of the confining pattern shapes such that the dissimilarity between the desired and the actual morphologies is minimized.The efficiency and robustness of the proposed gradient-based algorithm are demonstrated in a number of examples related to templating vertical interconnect accesses(VIA).

Superposition of dual electric fields in covalent organic frameworks for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Covalent organic frameworks(COFs)are promising materials for converting solar energy into green hydrogen.However,limited charge separation and transport in COFs impede their application in the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction(HER).In this study,the intrinsically tunable internal bond electric field(IBEF)at the imine bonds of COFs was manipulated to cooperate with the internal molecular electric field(IMEF)induced by the donor-acceptor(D-A)structure for an efficient HER.The aligned orientation of IBEF and IMEF resulted in a remarkable H_(2) evolution rate of 57.3 mmol·g^(-1)·h^(-1)on TNCA,which was approximately 520 times higher than that of TCNA(0.11 mmol·g^(-1)·h^(-1))with the opposing electric field orientation.The superposition of the dual electric fields enables the IBEF to function as an accelerating field for electron transfer,kinetically facilitat-ing the migration of photogenerated electrons from D to A.Furthermore,theoretical calculations indicate that the inhomogeneous charge distribution at the C and N atoms in TNCA not only pro-vides a strong driving force for carrier transfer but also effectively hinders the return of free elec-trons to the valence band,improving the utilization of photoelectrons.This strategy of fabricating dual electric fields in COFs offers a novel approach to designing photocatalysts for clean energy synthesis.