A facile preparation of magnetic MOF composites with flexible mercapto group pendants in their pores is realized through solvent-assisted ligand exchange (SALE) under mild conditions in water, and terephthalate in UIO-66 is replaced with mercaptoacetic acid (MAA). After the SALE processing, the crystallinity, porosity, and superparamagnetism of the mercapto functionalized magnetic Zr-MOF (MFC-S) are well maintained, and the obtained MFC-S exhibits a higher adsorption capacity (282 mg g⁻¹) for Hg²⁺ than that of the magnetic Zr-MOF (MFC-O). Furthermore, the prepared MFC-S can be regenerated easily by liquid desorption after adsorption of metal ions and be reused more than 5 times without obvious decrease in removal performance. The proposed SALE method for the preparation of mercapto functionalized magnetic MOF composites (MFCs) is easy-to-operate and low cost, providing not only a reliable porous MFC platform for the removal of metal ions, but also a simple and efficient synthesis route for the preparation of functionalized MFCs which cannot be achieved through conventional approaches.

A magnetic MOF composite with a core–shell nanostructure was prepared and demonstrated to be effective for the removal of Hg²⁺ from water.

The recovery of precious metals (PMs) from secondary resources has garnered significant attention due to environmental and economic considerations. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising adsorbents for this purpose, owing to their tunable pore size, facile functionalization, exceptional chemical stability, and large specific surface area. This review provides an overview of the latest research progress in utilizing COFs to recover PMs. Firstly, the design and synthesis strategies of chemically stable COF‐based materials, including pristine COFs, functionalized COFs, and COF‐based composites, are delineated. Furthermore, the application of COFs in the recovery of gold, silver, and platinum group elements is delved into, emphasizing their high adsorption capacity and selectivity as well as recycling ability. Additionally, various interaction mechanisms between COFs and PM ions are analyzed. Finally, the current challenges faced by COFs in the field of PM recovery are discussed, and potential directions for future development are proposed, including enhancing the recyclability and reusability of COF materials and realizing the high recovery of PMs from actual acidic wastewater. With the targeted development of COF‐based materials, the recovery of PMs can be realized more economically and efficiently in the future.