Recent multifunctional applications of AIE-MOF/COF porous materials

Abstract

Luminescent materials play a crucial role in applications such as lighting, displays, sensing, and bio-imaging. However, their performance is often hindered by aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ). The discovery of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) in 2001 provided a breakthrough, utilizing AIE luminogens (AIEgens) that exhibit strong emission in the aggregated state due to restricted intramolecular motion (RIM). Unfortunately, for porous materials such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs), which are commonly used in gas storage, separation, and catalysis, their luminescence is often suppressed by strong π–π interactions, resulting in ACQ. Integrating AIEgens into MOFs and COFs overcomes this limitation, creating luminescent porous polymers with enhanced optical and electronic properties through linker or metal center modifications. Furthermore, hybridizing MOFs and COFs unlocks additional structural and luminescence improvements, broadening their potential in advanced technologies. This review explores the versatile applications of AIE-MOF/COF materials, particularly in optoelectronic devices, sensing, biomedicine, and photocatalysis. We highlight recent advancements in their luminescence properties, structural functionalization, and future research directions, offering insights into their design and multifunctional applications. Finally, we discuss challenges related to their luminescence and propose strategies to enhance their performance for broader practical implementation.