Abstract: 

With the accelerating process of industrialization, heavy metal ions have become an increasingly serious threat to the ecological environment. Fluorescent covalent organic frameworks (FCOFs) are organic polymers, consisting of organic monomers linked by covalent bonds. In recent years, FCOFs have been applied in the field of heavy metal ion sensors owing to their unique pore structure, tunable fluorescence properties, ease of functionalization, and excellent stability. In this review, the design and synthesis of FCOFs (boron-based FCOFs, imine-based FCOFs, triazine-based FCOFs, and other types of FCOFs) were provided. Mechanistic research of FCOFs (fluorescence burst, fluorescence enhancement) was discussed based on density functional theory. Subsequently, the applications of FCOFs in the field of heavy metal sensors (essential trace metal elements, toxic metal elements) were emphasized. Finally, the future development of FCOFs as fluorescent sensors was envisioned, aiming to provide a reference for the practical application of FCOFs.

See more: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894725000476?via%3Dihub