Gradient Polarization Induces Three‐Dimensional Asymmetric Electron Distribution in Covalent Organic Frameworks for Dramatically Enhanced Photocatalytic Overall Nitrogen Fixation
Constructing a donor-acceptor (D-A)-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is an effective approach to enhance photocatalytic efficiency, yet the spatial conformation imposes inherent trade-offs between in-plane and interplane carrier transport. Here, we present a spatial gradient polarization strategy that combines distinct electronegativities of (NH)<sub>2</sub>─C═S and C═O groups in COFs to establish a 3D asymmetric electron distribution and the gradient polarization. Mechanistic studies have shown that the gradient polarization triggers the interlayer dipole rearrangement in a nonpolar orientation, thereby constructing a cooperative in-plane and out-of-plane polarization field. This polarization field decouples the constraints on carrier transport and drives rapid charge transfer in an anisotropic manner, breaking the traditional perception of D-A intramolecular polarization within the plane. Moreover, the resulting polarized microenvironment activates N≡N bonds, optimizes hydrogen-bond networks, and stabilizes reaction intermediates, enabling the sequential conversion pathway of nitrogen. Ultimately, the covalent organic framework containing (NH)<sub>2</sub>─C═S and C═O groups (SBO) exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance with yields of NH<sub>4</sub> <sup>+</sup> and NO<sub>3</sub> <sup>-</sup> of 11.59 and 7.18 mg g<sup>-1</sup> h<sup>-1</sup>, surpassing all reported systems. Additionally, under natural sunlight, SBO also achieves unprecedented NH<sub>4</sub> <sup>+</sup> (87.17 mg m<sup>-2</sup> h<sup>-1</sup>) and NO<sub>3</sub> <sup>-</sup> (73.63 mg m<sup>-2</sup> h<sup>-1</sup>) yields. Our research not only offers a strategic blueprint for modulating the 3D polarization in COFs but also bridges the gap in the relationship between the molecular structure of materials and the spatial carrier migration.
Authors
- Xiaoxu Deng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6889-1011)
- Shuang‐Feng Yin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9857-9804)
- Peng Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8210-8562)
- Yunxia Liu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2728-7577)
- Zihe Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6518-7119)
Institutions
- Central South University of Forestry and Technology (CN)
- Central South University (CN)
- Guizhou University (CN)
- Ministry of Education (SA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Angewandte Chemie International Edition
- Published
- 2025-09-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202516117
- Citations
- 4
- Primary Topic
- Covalent Organic Framework Applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.07