Covalent organic framework-functionalized composites with high hydrophobicity to acids and bases for chemical protection

Abstract

Public safety has been a long-term research focus. Improving the comprehensive properties of matrix materials is of great significance for chemical protection. However, a research gap exists in this field. In this study, a covalent organic framework (COF) was constructed using Benzene-1,3,5-tricarbaldehyde (TFB) and 2,3′-dimethyl-[1,1′-biphenyl] (BD(Me)₂) as building units, and a TFB-BD(Me)₂ COF was grown on Nomex nonwovens (NW) using vapor phase-assisted conversion. Based on their chemical protection mechanism, the prepared functional fabrics exhibited unique acid–base properties, high hydrophobicity, and excellent chemical stability. In addition, these functional fabrics, with good thermal stability, flame retardancy, and strength, enabled chemical protection in multiple scenarios. Overall, the simple and efficient preparation method makes these functional fabrics competitive in the field of chemical protective materials. At the same time, the use of COFs as a reinforcing material effectively broadens the application of COFs in chemical protection and lays a foundation for its exploration in other fields.