Exfoliating bulk covalent organic frameworks into soluble
covalent
organic nanosheets (CONs) enhances processability. Utilizing the catalytic
ability of −SO3H groups, ammonia borane hydrolysis
was performed in the pores of a TpPa-SO3H COF (Tp = 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol;
Pa-SO3H = 2,5-diaminobenzenesulfonic acid). The in situ
generated hydrogen converted bulk powders into CONs (thickness = 4–16
nm). The CONs-based H2 sensor showed a response of 12.5
± 0.6% and response/recovery times of 5.5 ± 1/2.6 ±
0.5 s, respectively, at 120 °C for 1% H2. The sensor
offers quicker response and recovery times compared to nonmetallic
H2 sensors like polyaniline and polythiophene.