biostudies-literatureUnknown14(14)Yu RThe growth of porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) on the surface of polymer brushes is reported for the first time. In contrast to PAFs formed in solution, polymer brushes provide a confined environment for PAF growth, resulting in nanosized and homogeneous spherical PAFs formed amongst the polymer brushes. 4-Bromobenzene functionalities from the polymer brushes are utilized to induce PAF growth by a Yamamoto-type Ullman coupling reaction. The size of PAFs can be tailored from 30 nm to 500 nm by subtly changing the structural parameters: <i>e.g.</i> reaction time, grafting density, and concentration of 4-bromobenzene on the surface. The established strategy is not only applicable to the preparation of PAF-1, but can also be extended to the controlled preparation of PAF-5. In addition, free-standing and flexible PS/PAF-1 hybrid membranes are obtained <i>via</i> dissolving the oxidized layer between the polymer layer and the silicon substrate, which can be transferred to any flat substrate. The obtained PS/PAF-1 membrane is proven to show high efficiency in removing dye from water and is promising for eliminating other foulants, such as microorganisms and trace organics.Chemical science3782-3788https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10074413biostudies-literatureTailored preparation of porous aromatic frameworks in a confined environment.PMC10074413Jing YYu RLiu LZhang NBian HZhu GYin LfalseTailored preparation of porous aromatic frameworks in a confined environment.The growth of porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) on the surface of polymer brushes is reported for the first time. In contrast to PAFs formed in solution, polymer brushes provide a confined environment for PAF growth, resulting in nanosized and homogeneous spherical PAFs formed amongst the polymer brushes. 4-Bromobenzene functionalities from the polymer brushes are utilized to induce PAF growth by a Yamamoto-type Ullman coupling reaction. The size of PAFs can be tailored from 30 nm to 500 nm by subtly changing the structural parameters: <i>e.g.</i> reaction time, grafting density, and concentration of 4-bromobenzene on the surface. The established strategy is not only applicable to the preparation of PAF-1, but can also be extended to the controlled preparation of PAF-5. In addition, free-standing and flexible PS/PAF-1 hybrid membranes are obtained <i>via</i> dissolving the oxidized layer between the polymer layer and the silicon substrate, which can be transferred to any flat substrate. The obtained PS/PAF-1 membrane is proven to show high efficiency in removing dye from water and is promising for eliminating other foulants, such as microorganisms and trace organics.2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 Apr2025-04-19T17:28:35.381Z2025-04-19T17:28:35.381ZS-EPMC100744133703570210.1039/d2sc06930j