Covalent organic frameworks for detection of ions

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a class of ordered organic network materials with permanent pore structures. The physical and chemical properties of COFs such as porosity, fluorescence, and acid-base stability can be tuned through the topological, linkage, and building block regulation. These features make COFs promising candidates in various applications and especially for detection originating from their diverse functionality. This review summarize the binding styles of COFs for ions, and their application in ions detection. Finally, the research directions for promoting COFs to become excellent sensors for ions detection are prospected.