Olefin-linked covalent organic frameworks with twisted tertiary amine knots for enhanced ultraviolet detection

Though Olefin-linked covalent organic frameworks (oCOFs) possess excellent π-electron delocalization, the barely reversible olefin linkage brings challenges for oCOFs’ synthesis and functionalization. Here, we synthesize new oCOFs with tertiary amine knots which have twisted configuration and electron-donating nature. Investigation into the structural variation and photoelectric performance shows that the twisted configuration of oCOF-TFPA could favor to the intramolecular charge transfer process and reduce the possibility of aggregation-caused quenching. Photoelectrical measurements and electric band structure calculation both verify the superiority of this oCOFs’ structure in photoelectric sensing. The olefin-linked covalent organic frameworks with tertiary amine knots could facilitate the intramolecular charge transfer process with their twisted configuration and thus benefit their photoelectrical performance.