Beyond Planar Architectures: Oxacalix[4]Arene ‐Bridged 3D Covalent Organic Frameworks with Saddle‐Shaped π‐Cavities for Efficient Hydrogen Peroxide Photogeneration and Non‐Covalent C <sub>60</sub> Confinement

In this work, two calixarene-based macrocyclic 3D COFs (XJU-3, XJU-4) are successfully developed by overcoming conformational instability via intramolecular heteroatom anchoring and peripheral structural extension. The stabilized saddle-shaped conformation endows XJU-4 with exceptional crystallinity and directional charge transfer channels, achieving an efficient hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) production rate of 8384 µmol g<sup> 1</sup> h<sup>-1</sup> under pure water and oxygen (O<sub>2</sub>) conditions, which further rises to 24605 µmol g<sup> 1</sup> h<sup>-1</sup> with a sacrificial agent. Combined experimental and theoretical analyses reveal that the curved π-cavity facilitates O<sub>2</sub> activation through enhanced electron-withdrawing effects, while the orthogonal dimer configuration promotes singlet oxygen (<sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub>) intermediates via reduced singlet-triplet energy gaps (ΔE<sub>S-T</sub>). Building on this framework, the potential of calixarene cavities is further demonstrated as supramolecular hosts-C<sub>60</sub> is selectively encapsulated within their π-rich pockets through non-covalent interactions, distinct from conventional pore confinement or covalent linkage strategies. This host-guest synergy enhances charge transfer pathways, as evidenced by luminescence quenching and orbital localization, showcasing the versatility of these COFs in both catalysis and functional composite design. The work establishes a paradigm for engineering conformation-stable macrocycles into 3D COFs, expanding their functional design for solar energy conversion systems.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Small
Published
2025-10-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202507026
Primary Topic
Covalent Organic Framework Applications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Beyond Planar Architectures: Oxacalix[4]Arene ‐Bridged 3D Covalent Organic Frameworks with Saddle‐Shaped π‐Cavities for Efficient Hydrogen Peroxide Photogeneration and Non‐Covalent C 60 Confinement

Xiaoyu Zhao, Yiran Wu, Yen Wei, Qiu Liu et al.
Small
Covalent Organic Framework Applications
article

Beyond Planar Architectures: Oxacalix[4]Arene ‐Bridged 3D Covalent Organic Frameworks with Saddle‐Shaped π‐Cavities for Efficient Hydrogen Peroxide Photogeneration and Non‐Covalent C 60 Confinement

Xiaoyu Zhao, Yiran Wu, Yen Wei, Qiu Liu, Bingqing Wei, Jianyu Huo, Yuming Yu, Hong Meng, Jin Yong-ming, Wei Lan, Quan Zhu, Lang Liu
article en

Abstract

In this work, two calixarene-based macrocyclic 3D COFs (XJU-3, XJU-4) are successfully developed by overcoming conformational instability via intramolecular heteroatom anchoring and peripheral structural extension. The stabilized saddle-shaped conformation endows XJU-4 with exceptional crystallinity and directional charge transfer channels, achieving an efficient hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) production rate of 8384 µmol g<sup> 1</sup> h<sup>-1</sup> under pure water and oxygen (O<sub>2</sub>) conditions, which further rises to 24605 µmol g<sup> 1</sup> h<sup>-1</sup> with a sacrificial agent. Combined experimental and theoretical analyses reveal that the curved π-cavity facilitates O<sub>2</sub> activation through enhanced electron-withdrawing effects, while the orthogonal dimer configuration promotes singlet oxygen (<sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub>) intermediates via reduced singlet-triplet energy gaps (ΔE<sub>S-T</sub>). Building on this framework, the potential of calixarene cavities is further demonstrated as supramolecular hosts-C<sub>60</sub> is selectively encapsulated within their π-rich pockets through non-covalent interactions, distinct from conventional pore confinement or covalent linkage strategies. This host-guest synergy enhances charge transfer pathways, as evidenced by luminescence quenching and orbital localization, showcasing the versatility of these COFs in both catalysis and functional composite design. The work establishes a paradigm for engineering conformation-stable macrocycles into 3D COFs, expanding their functional design for solar energy conversion systems.

SmallVol. 21(49)
Xinjiang University (CN), Tsinghua University (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, Tsinghua University, Xinjiang University
Openalex Percentile: Top 77%
Covalent Organic Framework Applications
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.