Capture and reduction of singlet oxygen via an anthracene-based framework for stable Li-O(2) batteries.

An anthracene-based covalent-organic framework (AntCOF) selectively captures electrophilic singlet oxygen (1O2) in Li-O2 batteries, enabling singlet oxygen reduction and lowering overpotentials.

• Why it matters: Harmful 1O2 forms during both discharge and charge in Li-O2 batteries, triggering parasitic reactions that degrade round-trip efficiency and cycling stability.
• What they did: AntCOF is used as a catalyst for singlet oxygen reduction, where its conjugated porous framework captures 1O2 and facilitates charge transfer to the empty π* orbital.
• The result: By suppressing 1O2 diffusion and mitigating side reactions, AntCOF reduces overpotentials and improves cycling performance when combined with a RuO2 catalyst.