Micrometre-thick oriented 2D covalent organic framework (COF) films are prepared via kinetically trapped 3D covalent adaptable network (CAN) intermediates. Imine-linked CANs are formed through solution casting and align spontaneously during solvent evaporation. Upon solvothermal treatment, the amorphous CANs are converted into porous crystalline COF films without losing their molecular alignment.
- Luca Cusin
- Piotr Cieciórski
- Paolo Samorì