Synthesis and Applications of Cage-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks

Due to their unique structural characteristics, molecular cages have become pivotal components in supramolecular chemistry and materials science. These cages possess the remarkable ability to encapsulate guest molecules and metal nanoparticles within their cavities, fostering intriguing host–guest interactions and demonstrating significant potential across various domains, including molecular recognition, drug delivery, catalysis, and material synthesis. Integrating these molecular cages with highly porous crystalline covalent organic frameworks (COFs) constitutes a strategic avenue for enhancing both porosity and functional sites. This transition from molecular cages to COF frameworks involves the precise orchestration of individual molecules into extended, covalently bonded structures with well-defined frameworks and porosity. This unlocks novel pathways for materials design and applications, significantly enriching the landscape of materials science. This review comprehensively summarizes the synthetic strategies employed in fabricating cage-based COFs, explores their diverse applications, and provides insights into the future prospects and growth of this rapidly evolving field.