Crystallizing Sub 10 nm Covalent Organic Framework Thin Films via Interfacial-Residual Concomitance.

Synthesis of covalent organic framework (COF) thin films on different supports with high crystallinity and porosity is crucial for their potential applications. We have designed a new synchronized methodology, residual crystallization (RC), to synthesize sub 10 nm COF thin films. These residual crystallized COF thin films showcase high surface area, crystallinity, and conductivity at room temperature. We have used interfacial crystallization (IC) as a rate-controlling tool for simultaneous residual crystallization. We have also diversified the methodology of residual crystallization by utilizing two different crystallization pathways: fiber-to-film (F-F) and sphere-to-film (S-F). In both cases, we could obtain continuous COF thin films with high crystallinity and porosity grown on various substrates (the highest surface area of a TpAzo COF thin film being 2093 m