Mechanistic Insights Into Protonation of Imine-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks: The Correlations With Photocatalytic Processes and High-Performance Hydrogen Evolution.

Key Points

• The study investigates the role of protonation in imine-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and its impact on photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
• Utilized ascorbic acid as a sacrificial donor and proton source.
• Explored the protonation mechanisms in imine-linked COFs.
• Assessed photocatalytic activity related to hydrogen evolution.
• Protonation significantly enhances hydrogen evolution rates.
• The study identifies key relationships between protonation, molecular diversity of COFs, and catalytic performance.