Vinylene-linked conjugated polymeric frameworks derived from 2,2′-bipyridine for visible-light-driven H2O2 generation

Assembling various organic building blocks through carbon–carbon double-bond linkages is highly efficient for constructing high-performance organic semiconductors. Microporous/nanoporous structures can provide robust mass collection accommodation and reactive reaction sites. Here, we report the synthesis of a series of vinylene-linked conjugated porous polymers by Knoevenagel condensation of a tetratopic monomer tetramethyl-2,2′-bipyridine with different ditopic monomers. The presence of the 2,2′-bipyridine building blocks created π-extended conjugation polymeric frameworks, substantial n -type semiconducting properties and coplanar conformation. These frameworks also exhibit strong electron-deficient characters and finely tuned energy levels. Upon visible light irradiation, they exhibited the highest activity of hydrogen peroxide generation up to 1413 μmol h −1 g −1 in pure water. Their excellent recycling and reusability suggest their potential applications in green chemical transformation. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.