Functional covalent triazine frameworks for catalysis and energy storage applications

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Polymers with intrinsic porosity in both the micro- and macroscopic scale have aroused enormous research interest for a variety of functional applications because of their unique structures and resulting superior properties. Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs), synthesized often by trimerization of aromatic nitriles, are an exciting class of porous polymers with tunable structure, high chemical stability, and rich heteroatom contents, which facilitate their emerging applications in various fields. The overall objective of this proposed DG research is to develop and design a novel range of functional CTFs of tunable well-defined structures/functionalities and superior performance properties for applications in catalysis and energy storage areas. Three specific projects are defined: (1) developing CTFs as novel 3D macromolecular ligands for Pd-based olefin polymerization catalysts; (2) developing heterogeneous functional CTF-supported Pd nanocatalysts for semi-hydrogenation of alkynes; (3) developing CTF nanocomposite anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The proposed research is highly multidisciplinary in nature and combines diverse disciplines including polymer chemistry and physics, nanotechnology, materials science, catalysis, and energy storage techniques. It is expected that this research will lead to a novel class of CTF materials of tailored structures and superior performance properties, which may find value-added applications in catalysis and energy storage areas. The fundamental knowledge to be generated in this research will also contribute significantly to the design and synthesis of porous polymer materials, catalysis materials, and energy storage materials, and broaden the understanding of the structure-performance relationships. Moreover, the proposed research will also offer valuable opportunities for the training of next-generation researchers for Canadian universities, industries, and government research laboratories.