Fused Aromatic Networks with the Different Spacial Arrangement of Structural Units

Two-dimensional (2D) fused aromatic networks (FANs) have a planar structure, in which planar building blocks are horizontally connected to form optimized, layered π-π stacking. Three-dimensional (3D) FAN structures, in which building blocks are divergently linked in the space, provide the maximum accessible internal surface area with permanent porosity. As sorbent materials, the confined layered stacking pattern of FANs restricts segmental motion; the available surface area is partially blocked by adjacent layers, resulting in relatively poor uptake kinetics and capacity. To understand the relationship between structure and sorbent performance, a new type of FAN structure with vertically standing structural units connected along the growth direction was designed and synthesized to minimize layer-to-layer interactions and maximize segmental freedom.