LAUSR

Organic photochemistry developed intensely in the 1980s in which the nature of excited electronic states and the energy and electron transfer processes were 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 photocatalyts. Covalent organic frameworks (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 have been studied as potential candidates in various research areas (e.g., photocatalysis). This review was aimed to provide 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 was also discussed, followed by perspectives and prospects on the main challenges and opportunities in future research of COFs and COF-based photocatalysts. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.