Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pervasive and toxic chemicals were found at alarming levels within living organisms and in the environment. PFAS causes several health risks such as impairment of the immune system and cancer. The distinct structural characteristics of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) including high surface area, low density, hierarchical porosity, and a rich array of active sites establish them as highly promising platforms for the adsorption and catalytic degradation of PFAS. This review outlines the current advances in chemical strategies for synthesizing stable COFs and highlights their emerging applications in the removal of PFAS. A comprehensive overview of PFAS, including their classification, regulatory landscape, and associated health risks was also documented. This review outlines the efficiency of various conventional techniques for eliminating long chain and short chain PFAS from water. A comparative study was established to show the viability of COF for PFAS remediation. Additionally, the chemistry of COF along with the factors controlling PFAS removal has been thoroughly demonstrated. This review paper discusses the design, synthesis, and application of COFs in the removal of PFAS. Various case studies of PFAS removal were also illustrated along with the experimental conditions to show the potentiality of these frameworks. Finally, the review concludes by examining the underlying mechanisms of PFAS capture by COFs and outlining future research directions. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.
