Crystalline porous frameworks: Advances in synthesis, mechanisms, modifications, and remediation of organic pollutants

[Display omitted] •Various linkages involved in the formation of MOFs and COFs have been presented.•Mechanochemical synthesis for MOFs and COFs is found to be sustainable and scalable.•Modification of MOFs and COFs enhances optical and electronic properties, and stability.•Detailed adsorptive and photocatalytic mechanisms of MOFs and COFs have been discussed.•Treatment of organic pollutants using MOF and COF-based materials has been explored. Unplanned urbanization and industrialization have intensified concentrations of organic pollutants in aquatic environments. Conventional wastewater treatment technologies are inefficient in treating these pollutants, further exacerbating the issue. In this context, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have gained prominence due to their tunable structures and unique properties. The present review comprehensively discusses the linkage chemistry, synthesis, mechanistic insights, performance enhancement strategies, and applicability of MOFs and COFs for removing organic pollutants. Various synthetic routes, including ionothermal, solvothermal, mechanochemical, etc., along with influencing factors, are explored. Additionally, strategies to improve performance, such as functionalization, elemental doping, and hybrid formation, are summarized. Unprecedentedly, the focus extends to the adsorptive and photocatalytic removal of various organic pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, etc., using MOF and COF-based materials. This review aids researchers in understanding the potential of MOFs and COFs for environmental remediation.