Topology engineering of COFs <i>via</i> localized 1D–2D unit interconnection to facilitate interfacial electron transfer for efficient gold recovery from e-waste leachates

-establishing it as one of the most cost-effective COF-based adsorbents reported to date. Theoretical calculations and spectral analyses reveal that the additional charge transport channels created by the heterostructure facilitate the directional conversion of Au(iii) to Au(0) through a stepwise single-electron reduction mechanism, thus constructing a closed-loop process for gold capture and recovery.