Advancements in covalent organic framework-based nanocomposites: Pioneering materials for CO2 reduction and storage

The persistent increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration poses a significant contemporary challenge. Contemporary chemistry is heavily focused on sustainable solutions, particularly the photo-/electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ and its utilization for energy storage. Despite promising prospects, efficient chemical CO₂ conversion faces obstacles such as ineffective CO₂ uptake/activation and catalyst mass transport. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as potential catalysts due to their precise structural design, functionalizable chemical environments, and robust architectures. COF-based materials, especially those incorporating diverse active sites like single metal sites, metal nanoparticles, and metal oxides, hold promise for CO₂ conversion and energy storage. This review sheds light on CO₂ photoreduction/electroreduction and storage in Li-CO₂ batteries catalyzed by COF-based composites, focusing on recent advancements in integrating COFs with nanoparticles for CO₂ reduction. It discusses design principles, synthesis methods, and catalytic mechanisms driving the enhanced performance of COF-based nanocomposites across various applications, including electrochemical reduction, photocatalysis, and lithium CO₂ batteries. The review also addresses challenges and prospects of COF-based catalysts for efficient CO₂ utilization, aiming to steer the development of innovative COF-based nanocomposites, thus advancing sustainable energy technologies and environmental stewardship. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.