Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks Based Mixed-Matrix Membranes with Low Temperature Antiviral Activity

Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) are a type of porous molecular crystal consisting of multiple rigid large π-conjugated structures. They hold great potential as photosensitive antiviral materials due to their solution processability. Moreover, HOFs can easily bind to polymeric matrices, making them a flexible and green option for low-temperature antiviral materials. In this study, we fabricated a series of HOF@polymer mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) by a solution casting technique for low temperature antiviral applications. The incorporation of HOF-101 crystals into poly vinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes can enhance their mechanical strength by at least 20%. The unique one-dimensional pore channels of HOF-101 enable the MMMs to have increased exposure to oxygen, providing the potential for enhanced generation of singlet oxygen (1O2). The 1O2 generated by 1 wt % HOF-101@PVDF MMMs at 263 K was observed to be more than 40% higher compared to that at 298 K. The excellent 1O2 generation efficiency allowed the MMMs to maintain their virucidal efficacy by more than 99% and 95% against vesicular stomatitis virus and herpes simplex virus type 1, respectively, at low temperatures.