Interlaced Composite Membranes by Charge-Induced Alternating Assembly of Monolayer Cationic COF and GO

Abstract

The efficient preparation of two-dimensional large-sized monolayer covalent organic framework (COF) nanosheets for highly permeable membranes has posed a long-standing challenge in the COF field. While the self-exfoliation of charged COFs represents a promising method for nanosheet production, its efficiency requires further enhancement. In this study, we present a novel finding that the presence of hydroxyl groups on the monomer significantly influences the self-exfoliation efficiency of charged COFs. Through precise regulation of hydroxyl group numbers on the monomers, we successfully achieved the efficient fabrication of large monolayer cationic COF nanosheets with impressive solubilities in common organic solvents. By virtue of their positive charge, COF monolayer nanosheets rapidly interacted with negatively charged monolayer graphene oxide (GO) in solution, facilitating their assembly into interlaced composite membranes through electrostatic interactions. The composite membranes benefited from the strong Coulombic attraction between the COF and GO nanosheets, leading to enhanced membrane stability, while the shielding effect of GO on the COF pores contributed to improved size sieving efficiency. This innovative strategy enabled the composite membranes to achieve highly selective separation of ReO₄^– and MoO₄^2–, with a remarkable 100% interception rate for MoO₄^2–.