Research process of radiation-induced synthesis and functionalization of covalent organic frameworks

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are an emerging class of emerging crystalline porous materials used in separation and purification, adsorption, catalysis, optoelectronics, and energy storage. COFs are often synthesized by conventional solvothermal processes that require repeated freeze-pump-thaw procedures, elevated temperatures, closed systems for high autogenous pressures, and long reaction periods; this greatly hampers their large-scale production. Additionally, large amounts of COFs are singly built with bare aromatic skeletons without subordinate functional groups, making them difficult to utilize. Ionizing radiation technology has the advantages of simple operation, mild conditions, and large-scale production, which has been widely used in the preparation and functionalization of materials. This review mainly summarizes the recent research progress in radiation technology for the synthesis and functionalization of COFs in recent years.