We designed dioxin-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in which each structural unit contains four C-O-C groups as the main activation factor and two more functional groups (-CN, -COOH, or -CH2OH) as the additional regulation factors. The active carbon atoms are located between these chemical groups and thus their catalytic activities are impacted by them simultaneously. Results show that the catalytic activity is positively associated with the electron-withdrawing ability of the additional groups.  

Regulating the activity of intrinsic sites in covalent organic frameworks by introducing electro-withdrawing groups towards highly selective H2O2 electrosynthesis. Nano Today 2023, 10.1016/j.nantod.2023.101792.