Porous Aromatic Frameworks: Structure–Function Regulation and Synergistic Integration for Sensing, Catalysis, and Biomedical Theranostics

Abstract

Porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) are robust porous organic polymers built from aromatic units linked by high‐energy CC bonds. Their ultrahigh specific surface area, extreme acid/thermal stability, and fully tailorable skeletons make them versatile cross‐disciplinary functional materials. This review systematically summarizes PAF synthetic routes, functional modification strategies and cutting‐edge applications in sensing, heterogeneous catalysis and tumor theranostics. Hierarchical pores and adjustable functional groups grant PAFs superior detection and anti‐interference, stabilized catalytic metal sites, and ultrahigh drug/enzyme loading capacity, enabling integrated diagnosis and synergistic therapy. We further analyze key translational bottlenecks and propose forward directions including green mass synthesis, multifunctional devices and operando dynamic characterization. As crystallization‐free porous platforms, PAFs provide promising solutions for environmental monitoring, sustainable catalysis and precision biomedicine.