Mechanochemical Syntheses of Porous Covalent Organic Frameworks

• Applicant: Professor Lars Borchardt, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 469290370

It is the aim of this project to synthesize porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) via solid-state reactions conducted in planetary and vibrational ball mills. The proposed mechanochemical concept displays a sustainable and fundamentally-different alternative to classical solvent-based or ionothermal COF syntheses, since the reactions do not require any solvent and are initiated and sustained only by the introduction of mechanical energy. On a first glance, it appears counter-intuitive that ball milling, a technique usually used to destroy and fracture matter is utilized to create a framework with a defined and porous structure. We, however, want to investigate and understand which and how COF structures can be synthesized in solid state by focusing on polycondensation, cyclotrimerization and C-C-cross coupling reactions. We will elucidate the impact of milling conditions on the textural properties of the derived COFs structures and illuminate reaction mechanism by applying in situ and ex situ characterization techniques during the milling process.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants