Covalent organic frameworks: Synthesis, structures, characterizations and progress of photocatalytic reduction of CO2

Abstract

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a class of stable two- or three-dimensional porous materials which are composed of ordered organic units connected by strong covalent bonds. Owing to their outstanding physical and chemical properties, COFs have garnered significant attention in recent years as promising candidates for photocatalytic reduction of CO₂. In this review, we will first summarize the synthesis and structures of COFs, then provide an overview of characterization techniques used for COFs, and finally systematically review recent research progress on the photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ using COFs. Fully understanding of the relations between COFs structures and photocatalytic CO₂ reduction would greatly enhance the further development of this emerging area. Herein we address this gap, aiming not only to provide the latest research progress of COFs materials in the photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ but also to summarize the advanced characterizations for COFs structures and illustrate how the structures guide the photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ performance.