Innovative linker design and synthetic approaches in MOFs and COFs for next-generation functional materials

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) are advanced porous materials that have attracted significant attention due to their high surface areas, adjustable pore structures, and versatile chemical properties. Using reticular chemistry, these frameworks can be designed with precise control over their composition, structure, and functionality. This ability to tailor their properties makes MOFs and COFs highly versatile and sets them apart from conventional porous materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advanced linker engineering strategies, synthetic methodologies, and both pre- and post-synthetic functionalization approaches employed to tailor the structural and physicochemical properties of MOFs and COFs. It further presents a comparative evaluation of their performance across key application domains, including catalysis, gas storage, and chemical sensing, highlighting recent progress in enhancing functionality and long-term stability. In addition, the review critically examines their intrinsic advantages and current limitations, addressing persistent challenges such as large-scale production, operational durability, and device integration, while outlining future research directions to unlock their full technological potential.