Recent development of covalent organic frameworks (COFs): synthesis and catalytic (organic-electro-photo) applications

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are one of the most important and dynamic members of the porous organic materials and are constructed using reticular chemistry with the building blocks being connected via covalent bonds. Due to their fascinating properties such as large surface area; structural versatility; effortless surface modification; and high chemical stability, COFs are being widely deployed in catalytic; sensing; adsorption; gas storage; and many other valuable applications. This review summarizes selected and most recent espoused synthetic methodologies for their assembly including the formation of magnetic COFs. Potential insights in the field of catalysis; electrocatalysis; and photocatalysis, where COFs can serve as excellent platforms for supporting catalytic species, are also illustrated.