covalent organic framework

chemical compound

Also known as: COF

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Last updated

July 22, 2026

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Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are materials constructed from light elements like boron, carbon, and oxygen, linked by covalent bonds to organic molecules. These frameworks, developed by Omar M. Yaghi and his collaborators, are similar to metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in that they possess large surface areas and can be designed with diverse properties. While MOFs use metal ions coordinated with organic linkers, COFs utilize atoms connected through covalent bonds. Both MOFs and COFs have applications in areas such as gas capture and storage, and potentially in addressing climate change by capturing carbon dioxide or extracting water from the air.12

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Omar M. Yaghi
…2005 with the creation of covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Atoms of light elements, such as boron, carbon, and oxygen, are connected by covalent bonds to organic molecules to build a framework. Both MOFs and COFs have large surface areas and can be designed with a wide range of properties.
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…2005 with the creation of covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Atoms of light elements, such as boron, carbon, and oxygen, are connected by covalent bonds to organic molecules to build a framework. Both MOFs and COFs have large surface areas and can be designed with a wide range of properties.
Read More