Metal and metal-free organic frameworks for CO₂ capture and sustainable conversion into methanol: A comprehensive review

Atmospheric CO₂ levels are rising from the increased burning of fossil fuels and other human activities, creating a demand for new carbon capture and conversion technologies. Within a suite of novel materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) serve as prominent targets due to their increased surface area, tunability, and chemical versatility. This chemistry provides an integrated platform for both CO₂ capture and catalytic conversion. Modifications can further improve performance through metal doping, functionalization of the linker, or the incorporation of a semiconducting component. In parallel, advancements in mechanics in photocatalysis are defining the structure-property relationships that govern efficiency and selectivity in CO₂ reduction. In this perspective, we summarize recent progress in MOF- and COF-based carbon capture and catalytic reactions, focusing on functionalization to enhance either the capture capacity or catalytic activity, as well as the capture process in post-combustion, pre-combustion, and direct air capture systems. We also discuss mechanistic advances in photocatalytic CO₂ reduction (e.g., hydrogenation reaction to produce methanol) as well as emerging areas of research and perspectives in carbon industry development. In the spirit of linking molecular level materials advances to actionable sustainability goals, MOFs and COFs are well-suited to provide the platforms required to enable meaningful reductions in carbon emissions. Schematic Representation of Functionalised Metal Organic Frameworks and Covalent Organic Frameworks as Tunable, Highly Porous Materials for Efficient CO₂ Capture and Catalytic Conversion to Methanol (AI-generated). • MOFs and COFs offer highly tunable, stable, and multifunctional platforms for efficient CO₂ capture and conversion. • Advanced approaches like metal doping, linker modification, and hybrid composites improve performance and durability. • These frameworks enable direct CO₂ capture followed by catalytic conversion into methanol and other value-added fuels. • Scaling up synthesis, improving long-term stability, and integrating with renewable energy systems remain key challenges. • Ongoing innovations make MOFs and COFs promising for carbon-neutral, sustainable energy.