Multifunctional porous aromatic frameworks: state of the art and opportunities

Abstract Porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) are amorphous porous materials that are known for their large surface area, versatile structure, and high thermal/chemical stability. PAFs are constructed via a bottom-up approach from rigid organic building units that have a predesigned geometry and are connected through irreversible C−C bonds. Due to their intriguing and tailorable structures, PAFs are widely deployed in catalysis, ion/molecule storage, and many other valuable applications. This review summarizes the recent progress on PAFs and PAF derivatives, including their design, synthesis, and applications. We conduct a detailed correlation investigation between the structural and chemical features of PAFs and their potential functions. The significant advantages (and disadvantages) and opportunities of PAFs are also discussed for the development of next-generation porous materials in the future for practical applications.