Metal-covalent organic frameworks (MCOFs): A bridge between metal-organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks.

Many sophisticated chemical and physical properties of porous materials strongly rely on the presence of the metal ions within the structures. Whereas homogeneous distribution of metals is conveniently realized in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), the limited stability potentially restricts their practical implementation. From that perspective, the development of metal-covalent organic frameworks (MCOFs) may address these shortcomings by incorporating active metal species atop highly stable COF backbones. This minireview will highlight meritorious examples of MCOFs that tackle important issues from their design, synthesis, characterization to cutting-edge applications.