COFcap2, a recyclable tandem catalysis reactor for nitrogen fixation and conversion to chiral amines

Qianqian Zhu, Peijie Dong, Jiangyue Yu, Zhifang Wang, Ting Wang, Shan Qiao, Jinjin Liu, Shubo Geng, Yunlong Zheng, Peng Cheng, Michael J. Zaworotko (), Zhenjie Zhang () and Yao Chen ()
Additional contact information
Qianqian Zhu: Nankai University
Peijie Dong: Nankai University
Jiangyue Yu: Nankai University
Zhifang Wang: Nankai University
Ting Wang: Nankai University
Shan Qiao: Nankai University
Jinjin Liu: Nankai University
Shubo Geng: Nankai University
Yunlong Zheng: Nankai University
Peng Cheng: Nankai University
Michael J. Zaworotko: Limerick
Zhenjie Zhang: Nankai University
Yao Chen: Nankai University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Two or more catalysts conducting multistep reactions in the same reactor, concurrent tandem catalysis, could enable (bio)pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing to become much more sustainable. Herein we report that co-immobilization of metal nanoparticles and a biocatalytic system within a synthetic covalent organic framework capsule, COFcap-2, functions like an artificial cell in that, whereas the catalysts are trapped within 300-400 nm cavities, substrates/products can ingress/egress through ca. 2 nm windows. The COFcap-2 reactor is first coated onto an electrode surface and then used to prepare eleven homochiral amines using dinitrogen as a feedstock. The amines, including drug product intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredient, are prepared in >99% enantiomeric excess under ambient conditions in water. Importantly, the COFcap-2 system is recycled 15 times with retention of performance, addressing the relative instability and poor recyclability of enzymes that has hindered their broad implementation for energy-efficient, low waste production of chemicals and (bio)pharmaceuticals.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56214-0

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