Structural isomers of imine-linked covalent organic cages with divergent photocatalytic properties

Abstract

The impact of linkage orientation as minor structural changes on the overall properties of covalent organic cages (COCs) has been investigated for the first time. Isomeric imine-linked donor–acceptor COCs, featuring triphenylamine as the donor and anthracene as the acceptor, TNCA and TCNA, were synthesized and exhibited significant differences in their optoelectronic properties, which in turn affect their photocatalytic performance.