Design, synthesis, and application of covalent organic frameworks as catalysts

Abstract

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a new category of polymer with well-defined porous and crystalline properties that consist of lightweight elements. Strong covalent linkages connect these elements. Because of these covalent bonds, these substances have advantages such as adjustable features, low density, and a large surface area. Owing to these fascinating features, these materials reveal a promising kind of porous framework. Since COFs are applicable in various areas of gas separation, catalysis, chemical sensing, and energy storage, these materials appeal to researchers. Materials that benefit from tunable porosity and high surface area could be appropriate and desirable choices as next-generation catalytic substances and provide a wonderful opportunity in the field of catalytic usage. They are suitable for such catalytic activities as hydrogen evolution reactions, CO₂-to-CO conversion, and oxygen evolution reactions. There are several approaches to synthesizing COFs, including the solvothermal method, microwave method, sonochemical method, and mechanochemical method. The purpose of this review article is to present the latest and most significant applications of COFs as catalysts. With an emphasis on synthetic approaches, some novel fabricated COFs are also evaluated.