Interlocking Organic Nanotubes into a Three-Dimensional Framework: Synthesis, Crystal Structure with Dual-Buckle Configuration, and Application in Stabilizing Lithium Metal Anode

Zihao Chen (Co-first Author), Tuoya Naren (Co-first Author), Lei Zhang, Jinglun Yang, Qianfeng Gu, Fangyuan Kang, Libao Chen*, Qichun Zhang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

Abstract

Single-crystalline organic nanotubes (ONTs) are very important to help us deeply understand the structure-property relationship, however, their preparation remains challenging. In this study, we propose a "B <- N coordination-directed self-locking" strategy to construct robust single-crystalline ONTs (named as CityU-56). Single crystals of CityU-56 are assembled via the formation of dynamic B <- N bonds between 2,2 ',7,7 '-tetra(4-pyridyl)-9,9 '-spirobifluorene (SPFPY) and 1,4-bis(benzodioxaborole)benzene (BACT). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that CityU-56 possesses a well-defined prismatic nanotube structure with highly ordered arrays. Importantly, the dual buckle-tongue-latch interlocking mechanism between adjacent nanotubes stabilizes the ordered arrangement of the nanotubes through synergistic B <- N coordination and pi-pi stacking. Given these advantages, CityU-56 has been demonstrated to serve as an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (ASEI) layer for lithium metal anodes, which significantly enhanced the stability and long-term cycling performance of the as-fabricated batteries. © 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere202517238
Number of pages8
JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition
Volume64
Issue number48
Online published30 Sept 2025
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Sept 2025

Funding

Q.Z. acknowledges the financial support from the City University of Hong Kong (7020148; 9239116; 9240189; 9380117; 9678403; 9680375; R-IND26401 and R-IND26402) and Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Center (NPMM), Hong Kong, P. R. China. Q. Z. also thanks the funding support from the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF, GHP/335/22SZ), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC, 22475183), Project supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, China (2025A1515011125) and Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (JCYJ20240813153135046).

Research Keywords

  • Covalent organic nanotubes
  • Lithium metal cells
  • Preparation
  • Solid-electrolyte interphase layer
  • Structure

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