Ionic Covalent Organic Frameworks for CO2 Capture

Ionic covalent organic frameworks (iCOFs) have attracted many researchers’ attention due to its efficacy towards effective CO₂ capture and various suitable applications. Currently, iCOFs are synthesized either by using ionic monomers or post-modification of COF. Here, we report on single step synthetic pathway to synthesize iCOF via Menshutkin reaction using 1,4-Diazabicyclo [2.2.2]octane (DABCO) and 1,3,5-Tris(bromomethyl)benzene (TBMB) as neutral and cheap monomers with 74% of yield. In this study, the absorption of CO₂ into as synthesized iCOF was evaluated. To study the effect of synthetic parameters on CO₂ sorption in iCOF, we adjusted reaction conditions, including reactant concentration and solvents. The effect of these parameters on the structural parameters of iCOF and its sorption capacity were examined. The as synthesized iCOF demonstrated CO₂ absorption of 1.01 mmole/g at 20 ^oC and 150 psi. We associated the high CO₂ sorption capacity of iCOF to its porous structure and the dipole-quadrupole interactions between CO₂ and the backbone of frameworks.