Light‐Promoted Efficient Gold Recovery Enabled by a Polydopamine‐Functionalized Covalent Organic Framework

Y Yanyin Wu (State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China) Y Yuyu Guo (State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University) T Tianwei Xue (College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering) Z Zeyu Shao (State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China) L Longzhao Xu (State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China) J Junhua Kuang R Ruiqing Li (State Key Laboratory of Functional Crystals and Devices) G Guangkuo Xu P Peng Chen W Wenli Hao (State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China) T Tongxin Qiao (State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China) X Xiangcheng Cai (State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China) S Shuliang Yang (Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States) J Jun Li L Li Peng

Abstract

ABSTRACT The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) and information technologies is driving a sharp increase in global electronic waste, creating an urgent demand for recovering precious metals like gold from secondary resources to achieve environmental and economic benefits. Herein, a polydopamine (PDA)‐functionalized β‐ketoenamine‐linked covalent organic framework composite, denoted as TATP/PDA, is designed in combination with a light‐assisted strategy for efficient gold recovery. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of hydrogen bonding and π‐π interactions between PDA and the TATP COF, which enhance photoelectric activity and provide abundant adsorption sites, the TATP/PDA exhibits an exceptional adsorption capacity of 5220 mg·g −1 , ultrafast adsorption kinetics (>99% removal efficiency within 30 s), and remarkable selectivity in complex matrices. Experimental characterizations disclose that the engineered abundant nitrogen and oxygen active sites, along with the inherent photocatalytic reduction capability, significantly enhance the gold adsorption performance. These key merits position TATP/PDA as one of the best‐performing materials in terms of overall performance. In practical application, TATP/PDA exhibits exceptional performance in recovering gold from real e‐waste leachate. Moreover, the recovered gold‐loaded composite serves as a sustainable photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution. This dual‐benefit strategy not only promotes resource recycling but also contributes to the goals of a green and circular economy.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 65, Issue 31
Published July 27, 2026
ISSN 1433-7851
Publisher Wiley

Journal Info

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Wiley

ISSN: 1433-7851 Physical Sciences

Authors (15)

Y

Yanyin Wu

State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China

Y

Yuyu Guo

State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University

T

Tianwei Xue

College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Z

Zeyu Shao

State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China

L

Longzhao Xu

State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China

J

Junhua Kuang

R

Ruiqing Li

State Key Laboratory of Functional Crystals and Devices

G

Guangkuo Xu

P

Peng Chen

W

Wenli Hao

State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China

T

Tongxin Qiao

State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China

X

Xiangcheng Cai

State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China

S

Shuliang Yang

Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States

J

Jun Li

L

Li Peng