Flexible High-Aspect-Ratio COF Nanofibers:Defect-Engineered Synthesis,Superelastic Aerogels,and Uranium Extraction ApplicationsOA

The lack of macro-continuity and mechanical strength of covalent organic frameworks(COFs)has significantly limited their practical applications.Here,we propose an“alcohol-triggered defect cleavage”strategy to precisely regulate the growth and stacking of COF grains through a moderate reversed Schiff base reaction,realizing the direct synthesis of COF nanofibers(CNFs)with high aspect ratio(L/D=103.05)and long length(>20μm).An individual CNF exhibits a biomimetic scale-like architecture,achieving superior flexibility and fatigue resistance under dynamic bending via a multiscale stress dissipation mechanism.Taking advantages of these structural features,we engineer CNF aerogels(CNF-As)with programmable porous structures(e.g.,honeycomb,lamellar,isotropic)via directional ice-template methodology.CNF-As demonstrate 100%COF content,high specific surface area(396.15 m^(2)g^(-1))and superelasticity(~0%elastic deformation after 500 compression cycles at 50%strain),outperforming most COF-based counterparts.Compared with the conventional COF aerogels,the unique structural features of CNF-A enable it to perform outstandingly in uranium extraction,with an 11.72-fold increment in adsorption capacity(920.12 mg g^(-1))and adsorption rate(89.9%),and a 2.48-fold improvement in selectivity(U/V=2.31).This study provides a direct strategy for the development of next-generation COF materials with outstanding functionality and structural robustness.