Porphyrin- and porphyrinoid-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs): From design, synthesis to applications

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), constructed with the light atoms such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, borane etc. via covalent bonds, represent a promising class of structurally ordered, highly crystalline functional porous materials possessing a large surface area to volume ratio. Recently there is a rapidly growing interest in tetrapyrrolic macrocycle-based COFs in which naturally occurring porphyrin and the synthetic analogs of porphyrin such as corroles and phthalocyanines, generally referred to as porphyrinoids, are employed as building blocks. Due to the intriguing properties of porphyrin and porphyrinoid units, the resulting COFs have found applications in different areas such as in gas absorption, storage of energy, optoelectronics, and catalysis. Herein, we review the research progress achieved in these areas over the past 5 years. The design and synthesis of porphyrin and porphyrinoid COFs will first be discussed, and is followed by an examination of the recent advances in their applications. The prospects and challenges for the further development of porphyrin and porphyrinoid COFs from design to applications will be highlighted.