Impact of imine-linked covalent organic framework structures on their adsorption performance

One of the critical challenges in purification, storage and separation technologies lies in the design and development of porous materials with ordered structures. In this study, we designed three distinct triazine and imine-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with varying degrees of crystallinity and porosity to assess their performance in dye adsorption. The investigation aims to elucidate the influence of structural variations, particularly in crystallinity and porosity, on their adsorption capabilities and removal efficiency. The results demonstrated a direct correlation between the COFs’ surface area, crystalline and porous structure, and their efficacy in adsorbing dye from water. Notably, the COF with the highest surface area and superior crystallinity, exhibited the most substantial adsorption capacity, reaching 1665 mg/g. This underscores the critical influence of structural characteristics on regulating adsorption capabilities. The findings of this study on how structural variations in COFs directly influence material performance in water purification can be extended to broader applications in storage and separation. This research provides a valuable roadmap for researchers to select and design materials optimized for specific requirements across these domains.