Two-dimensional -ketoenamine linked azo covalent organic frameworks as heterogeneous catalysts for photo-induced RCMP

Photo-induced reversible complexation-mediated polymerization (RCMP) is a green and economical method to prepare polymers with precise molecular weights, narrow molecular weight distributions and functionally active chain ends. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a promising heterogeneous photocatalyst for mediating RCMP due to their adjustable structure, band gap, and porosity. In this work, 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol (Tp) and p-azoaniline (Azo) were selected to construct 2D beta-ketoenamine linked Tp-Azo-COF as a heterogeneous photocatalyst to trigger RCMP under white light irradiation. A series of polymers with controllable molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution were successfully prepared by using Tp-Azo-COF as photocatalysis. On/off light experiments confirmed the good spatiotemporal control feature, and chain expansion experiments demonstrated the high "activity" of polymer chain ends. Furthermore, the mechanistic research elucidated that electron transfer between Tp-Azo-COF and initiator occurred, allowing the formation of reactive radicals to mediate RCMP. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the coordination of iodine on the initiator to catalyst obviously reduced the bond dissociation energy, leading to enhance in the polymerization rate. This work provides a platform for constructing heterogeneous photocatalysts with more efficient and stable to mediate RCMP.