Boronic acid functionalized of covalent organic framework for high performance capture of trace phthalates

Abstract

In order to improve the enrichment performance of parent covalent organic frameworks (COFs), boronic acid functionalized of COF (COF-B(OH)₂) was obtained by a simple standing method for the first time. The obtained COF-B(OH)₂ exhibited the new characteristics that were not possessed by pure COF and was employed as the solid phase microextraction (SPME) coating material for highly efficient enrichment of trace endocrine disruptors phthalates (PAEs). Compared to pure COF, the synergistic effect of the newly emerged unique pore structure and boric acid interaction sites, and the large specific surface area and the abundant benzene ring structure inherited by original COF framework endowed COF-B(OH)₂ with enhanced enrichment performance for PAEs. Combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), COF-B(OH)₂ exhibited the good linearity over a wide concentration of 0.1–3000 ng l^-1 with good coefficients (R², 0.9916–0.9998) for PAEs. The developed method was successfully employed for detection of trace PAEs in milk and water samples, demonstrating high recoveries (90.6–111.3 %). This work provides a sustainable approach to developing high-performance materials for enriching environmental pollutants.