Understanding the Poly (Triazine Imide) Crystals Formation Process: The Conversion from Heptazine to Triazine

Poly (triazine imide) (PTI) generally obtained via ionothermal synthesis features extended π-conjugation and enhanced crystallinity. However, in-depth investigation of the polycondensation process for PTI is an onerous task due to multiple influencing factors and limited characterization techniques. Herein, to simplify the polymerization route and exclude non-essential factors, PTI was prepared by calcining only melamine and LiCl. This study aims to identify the pivotal role of LiCl in PTI formation, which can convert heptazine-based intermediates into more stable triazine-based PTI framework. Based on this discovery, we demonstrate the transformation process of the prepared samples from amorphous Bulk g-C