Targeted control over the porosities and functionalities of conjugated microporous polycarbazole networks for CO2-selective capture and H2 storage

We report a conjugated microporous polycarbazole network and its pyridine-, bipyridine-, and cyano-functionalized networks exhibiting large surface area (1126 m2 g−1), isosteric heat of CO2 adsorption (∼32 kJ mol−1), and CO2-uptake capacity (14 wt% at 1 bar and 273 K). IAST calculations using single-component-isotherms reveal that the functionalized polycarbazole networks have a very high CO2 selectivity over N2 (164) under ambient conditions. These porous networks also possess moderate H2 storage capacity (1.35 wt% at 1 bar and 77 K) and high isosteric heat of H2 adsorption (10.3 kJ mol−1). Our finding provides a new targeted route to control the porosities and functionalities of microporous polymers for efficient gas uptake.