MOFs and COFs have developed their own construction principles and methodologies. The process of learning and adopting each other's methodologies in structural design and synthesis is an emergent hot area and will be further developed. This view highlights the recent emerging development of a multi-component/reaction strategy for covalent organic framework (COF) synthesis and its application in new MOF synthetic strategy and ligand development.

Abstract

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline porous materials with ordered framework structures. To create diverse framework structures, linkers with different geometries and sizes have been developed over the past decades. However, for more advanced applications, there is a need for continuous pore size control and property development. Researchers are exploring new synthesis methods, building blocks, and processing/fabrication protocols to meet these demands. Multi-component or multiple ligands synthesis has been widely used in the construction of MOF structures, and this synthetic strategy has recently been adopted for COF synthesis and extended to versatile linker designing strategies. This review focuses on the recent development of the multi-component or multi-reaction strategy for COF synthesis, its application in new MOF synthetic strategies, and ligand development.