Organic photochemistry is intensely developed in the 1980s, in which the nature of excited electronic states and the energy and electron transfer processes are thoroughly studied and finally well‐understood. This knowledge from molecular organic photochemistry can be transferred to the design of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as active visible‐light photocatalysts. COFs constitute a new class of crystalline porous materials with substantial application potentials. Featured with outstanding structural tunability, large porosity, high surface area, excellent stability, and unique photoelectronic properties, COFs are studied as potential candidates in various research areas (e.g., photocatalysis). This review aims to provide the state‐of‐the‐art insights into the design of COF photocatalysts (pristine, functionalized, and hybrid COFs) for organic transformations. The catalytic reaction mechanism of COF‐based photocatalysts and the influence of dimensionality and crystallinity on heterogenous photocatalysis performance are also discussed, followed by perspectives and prospects on the main challenges and opportunities in future research of COFs and COF‐based photocatalysts.
The review summarizes the state-of-the-art of C–H active transformations over crystalline and amorphous porous materials as new emerging heterogeneous (photo)catalysts.
This comprehensive review explores the diverse applications of defective zirconium-based metal–organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) in energy and environmental remediation. Zr-MOFs have gained significant attention due to their unique properties, and deliberate introduction of defects further enhances their functionality. The review encompasses several areas where defective Zr-MOFs exhibit promise, including environmental remediation, detoxification of chemical warfare agents, photocatalytic energy conversions, and electrochemical applications. Defects play a pivotal role by creating open sites within the framework, facilitating effective adsorption and remediation of pollutants. They also contribute to the catalytic activity of Zr-MOFs, enabling efficient energy conversion processes such as hydrogen production and CO2 reduction. The review underscores the importance of defect manipulation, including control over their distribution and type, to optimize the performance of Zr-MOFs. Through tailored defect engineering and precise selection of functional groups, researchers can enhance the selectivity and efficiency of Zr-MOFs for specific applications. Additionally, pore size manipulation influences the adsorption capacity and transport properties of Zr-MOFs, further expanding their potential in environmental remediation and energy conversion. Defective Zr-MOFs exhibit remarkable stability and synthetic versatility, making them suitable for diverse environmental conditions and allowing for the introduction of missing linkers, cluster defects, or post-synthetic modifications to precisely tailor their properties. Overall, this review highlights the promising prospects of defective Zr-MOFs in addressing energy and environmental challenges, positioning them as versatile tools for sustainable solutions and paving the way for advancements in various sectors toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.