03/30/2026
By Michael Brown
The Kennedy College of Science, Department of Chemistry, cordially invites you to attend a Master’s thesis defense by Clifton Noelsaint on “Design, Synthesis, and Post-Synthetic Modification of Imine-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks for Uptake Applications."
Defense Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Time: 3 to 5 p.m.
Location: Olney Hall 518
Committee:
- Advisor: Olof Ramström, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Mingdi Yan, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Lawrence Wolf, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Abstract:
Reticular chemistry provides a framework for the rational design of extended crystalline organic materials. Within this field, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as a versatile class of porous organic polymers. With high crystallinity and porosity, as well as tunable structures, COFs show promise for numerous applications such as gas storage and adsorption.
This research focuses on the synthetic optimization of imine-linked COFs to maximize porosity, enabling expanded applicability for various uptake processes. An investigation of reaction conditions such as monomer selection, solvent systems, catalysts, and modulation was conducted to improve surface area, crystallinity, and overall uptake capabilities. These studies enabled the development of reproducible and scalable synthetic protocols. In addition, the investigation allowed for the design and successful synthesis of a novel COF. Comprehensive structural and physicochemical characterization confirmed the formation of a highly ordered, porous framework.
Overall, this work advances the understanding of the synthesis of imine-linked COFs, introduces a novel framework with an optimized synthesis, and demonstrates the effectiveness of these COFs in uptake applications.