Jan 22 2016
A material with a unique structure, consisting of woven organic polymers, has been synthesized by a team of researchers. These polymers produce a unique elastic property in the innovative material.
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are developed by combining organic building blocks. Synthesized COFs were previously too rigid, but now the high porosity and low density of these structures provide a wide range of applications; such as for optoelectronics and for storing gas.
On a molecular level, the formation of flexible COFs has been a challenging task. Yuzhong Liu et al. developed a synthesis method that could develop a new field of material science.
The authors initially developed a copper-based framework. Organic compounds were then added to connect the one dimensional units to form two dimensional and three dimensional structures. The framework is made up of threads and each thread is a helix. All of the helices are covalently connected at "points of registry." These points provide the threads with varied degrees of flexibility, without disturbing the overall structure.
The structure remains undamaged when the copper ions are removed. The threads are able to slide against each other, increasing the material’s elasticity. The original material is completely restored when a copper solution is reintroduced. A Perspective by Enrique Gutierrez-Puebla features more information and the applications of this newly developed woven material.
Source: http://www.aaas.org/