Covalent Organic Framework Membrane Reactors for Full-Volume Active Electrodes in CO2 Electrolysis

Research Project, 2026 – 2031

The diffusion of particles such as electrons, photons, ions, and molecules in substances represents a basic phenomenon in the universe. By manual control of the diffusion of these particles, a directional transport can be achieved, enabling the invention of electricity, fiber-optic communication and desalination. The pursuit of more powerful control over transporting processes constitutes a foundation for technology evolution. This is exactly what this project aims to do.
The co-transport of multiple species in a single substance is typically prohibited in nature. This is because different species have their own preferred transport environments, which are markedly disparate from one another. Optimizing the transport environment for different species in one material is therefore a great challenge, and the efforts of doing so often leads to undesired outcomes, such as trade-offs or even annihilation effects. However, the co-transport of multiple species is a necessity in technologies like electrolysis. Thus, a fundamental innovation in material science is needed to address the problem of simultaneous diffusion.
In COFActiveCO2, I will use reticular chemistry to construct macromolecular type framework materials with compartmentalized multi-channels for mixed transport. The project will realize unprecedented control over the simultaneous transport of electrons, ions and molecules, to achieve intercalated nano-flows at high flux. As a result, a large contact between hybrid nano-flows will greatly facilitate the chemical kinetics in electrochemical processes. The implementation of membrane reactors with such design will enable a significant upgrade in the electrochemical conversion efficiency of working electrodes in CO2 electrolysis technology, thus paving the way for a sustainable future.