Covalent Organic Frameworks: Structures, Synthesis, and Applications

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline porous polymers formed by a bottom-up approach from molecular building units having a predesigned geometry that are connected through covalent bonds. They offer positional control over their building blocks in two and three dimensions. This control enables the synthesis of rigid porous structures with a high regularity and the ability to fine-tune the chemical and physical properties of the network. This Feature Article provides a comprehensive overview over the structures realized to date in the fast growing field of covalent organic framework development. Different synthesis strategies to meet diverse demands, such as high crystallinity, straightforward processability, or the formation of thin films are discussed. Furthermore, insights into the growing fields of COF applications, including gas storage and separations, sensing, electrochemical energy storage, and optoelectronics are provided.