Self-Exfoliated Guanidinium-Based Ionic Covalent Organic Nanosheets (iCONs)

Covalent
organic nanosheets (CONs) have emerged as functional two-dimensional
materials for versatile applications. Although π–π
stacking between layers, hydrolytic instability, possible restacking
prevents their exfoliation on to few thin layered CONs from crystalline
porous polymers. We anticipated rational designing of a structure
by intrinsic ionic linker could be the solution to produce self-exfoliated
CONs without external stimuli. In an attempt to address this issue,
we have synthesized three self-exfoliated guanidinium halide based
ionic covalent organic nanosheets (iCONs) with antimicrobial property.
Self-exfoliation phenomenon has been supported by molecular dynamics
(MD) simulation as well. Intrinsic ionic guanidinium unit plays the
pivotal role for both self-exfoliation and antibacterial property
against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Using such
iCONs, we have devised a mixed matrix membrane which could be useful
for antimicrobial coatings with plausible medical benefits.