Synthesis of nanoporous 1,2,4-oxadiazole networks with high CO2 capture capacity

Developing an adsorbent to mitigate carbon dioxide without large energy penalty is highly desired. Here, we present a silylation synthetic route to form a processable and otherwise impossible porous 1,2,4-oxadiazole network, which achieves 2 mmol g−1 of CO2 capacity owing to a nitrogen-rich structure. This network shows high CO2–N2 selectivity, thermal stability up to 450 °C, and low heat of adsorption (26.4 kJ mol−1), facilitating easy regeneration.