Structural isomers of imine-linked covalent organic cages with divergent photocatalytic properties

The impact of linkage orientation as structural isomers on the properties of covalent organic cages (COCs) has been investigated. Isomeric imine-linked COCs, featuring triphenylamine as the donor and anthracene as the acceptor, TNCA and TCNA, were synthesized and exhibited significant differences in their optoelectronic properties, which in turn affect their photocatalytic performance.