Covalent Organic Frameworks Harness Singlet and Triplet States for Next-Generation Photocatalysis

Covalent organic frameworks photocatalysis under light

Chemists at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have pioneered a new class of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) capable of harnessing both singlet and triplet excited states for photocatalysis. This innovation overcomes a long-standing limitation in light-driven catalysis, where most materials exploit only one excitation channel. By capturing a broader spectrum of solar energy—including red and near-infrared light—the new COFs unlock more efficient, versatile, and sustainable chemical transformations.

The research, published in Nature Materials, demonstrates a series of dual-channel COFs designed with carefully arranged donor and acceptor molecules stabilized through hydrogen bonding. This structure allows for rapid electron and energy transfer while maintaining stability under sunlight. Unlike traditional photocatalysts, these materials are completely metal-free, making them cost-effective, eco-friendly, and highly scalable for industrial use.

Singlet and Triplet States: Two Pathways to Efficiency

Excited states generated by sunlight typically follow two distinct routes. Singlet states are short-lived but highly efficient for selective chemical reactions. Triplet states, on the other hand, are longer-lived and capable of driving more complex transformations, including the production of clean fuels or advanced pharmaceuticals. By enabling both pathways simultaneously, these COFs make better use of the solar spectrum, significantly boosting photocatalytic efficiency.

Performance tests were striking. Under red light (620 nm), the material known as H₂P-BT(OMe)₂-COF converted 98% of benzylamine into the desired product in just 10 minutes, with a turnover frequency of 1,298 per hour—among the highest reported for a metal-free photocatalyst.

Applications in Clean Energy and Green Chemistry

The dual-channel COFs could transform multiple sectors:

  • Solar fuel generation – Converting sunlight into storable, usable energy sources.
  • Pharmaceutical synthesis – Driving selective, low-cost, and metal-free reactions.
  • Environmental remediation – Breaking down pollutants with sunlight-driven processes.
  • Industrial flow chemistry – Supporting scalable, continuous chemical manufacturing.

Professor Donglin Jiang, who led the project, highlighted the significance: “Our dual-channel COFs demonstrate that it is possible to harvest light more completely and efficiently using metal-free materials. This work opens a new avenue for sustainable photocatalysis.”

Modular Design for Tailored Reactions

The frameworks are also modular. By substituting different donor or acceptor units, researchers can fine-tune the COFs for specific applications, making the technology adaptable to diverse industries. Their porous 3D architecture allows molecules to diffuse quickly through the network, ensuring high reaction rates and stability even under prolonged light exposure.

A Future of Metal-Free Green Photocatalysis

This breakthrough underscores the growing potential of organic frameworks in sustainable chemistry. Unlike conventional catalysts that rely on expensive, rare, or toxic metals, these COFs deliver high performance at low cost while avoiding environmental drawbacks. Their ability to exploit both singlet and triplet states represents a paradigm shift in photocatalysis, moving the field closer to practical applications in clean energy, green industrial processes, and next-generation chemical manufacturing.

🔗 Source: Phys.org – "Covalent organic frameworks harness both singlet and triplet states for photocatalysis" (Aug 13, 2025)

*This blog article was prepared with the assistance of AI technologies for research, content generation, and formatting.*

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