Ultrathin 2D Coordination Polymer Nanosheets by Surfactant-Mediated Synthesis

Stereo-Structural Fine Tuning of Chromaticity

Lanthanoid carboxylates were synthesized and in situ self-assembled to illustrate temperature-driven evolution in chromaticity. Evolution in structure (crystallinity), composition, luminosity, and chromaticity were investigated revealing the coupled role of divergence in order/structure (spatial organization), and composition in tuning observed color. Loss of crystallinity or increase in residual carbon leads to decrease in luminosity even with increase in hue. Comparing Ho and Er congeners shows that the density of accessible transition states relates to shifts in low and high wavelength components of color. This work demonstrates that, just as interface dipoles can lead to change in semiconductor band gap, structure and composition can analogously alter observed color.

Nanosheets of a Layered Metal-Organic Framework for Separation of CO2/CH4 using Mixed Matrix Membranes

Mixed matrix membranes represent an important technology for gas separations. Nanosheets of metal-organic framework (MOF) materials of high aspect ratio and size-selective gas transport properties have the potential to promote the efficient mixing of components to form membranes for gas separation. Herein, we report a bottom-up synthesis of extended sheets of kagomé (kgm) topology, kgmt-Bu, via the linkage of [Cu2(O2CR)4] paddlewheels with 5-tert-butylisophthalic acid. The growth of the layered structure can be controlled by the choice of solvent and modulator. Nanosheets of kgmt-Bu of average thickness of 20 nm and aspect ratio of 40 to 50 can be obtained, and the sieving effect of the channels in kgmt-Bu boost the efficient separation of CO2 over CH4. A mixed matrix membrane comprising kgmt-Bu nanosheets with Matrimid shows a 32% enhancement in CO2/CH4 selectivity compared with the membrane incorporating the MOF in the particulate form.

Catalysis with Two-Dimensional Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthesis, Characterization, and Modulation

The demand for the exploration of highly active and durable electro/photocatalysts for renewable energy conversion has experienced a significant surge in recent years. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), by virtue of their high porosity, large surface area, and modifiable metal centers and ligands, have gained tremendous attention and demonstrated promising prospects in electro/photocatalytic energy conversion. However, the small pore sizes and limited active sites of 3D bulk MOFs hinder their wide applications. Developing 2D MOFs with tailored thickness and large aspect ratio has emerged as an effective approach to meet these challenges, offering a high density of exposed active sites, better mechanical stability, better assembly flexibility, and shorter charge and photoexcited state transfer distances compared to 3D bulk MOFs. In this review, synthesis methods for the most up-to-date 2D MOFs are first overviewed, highlighting their respective advantages and disadvantages. Subsequently, a systematic analysis is conducted on the identification and electronic structure modulation of catalytic active sites in 2D MOFs and their applications in renewable energy conversion, including electrocatalysis and photocatalysis (electro/photocatalysis). Lastly, the current challenges and future development of 2D MOFs toward highly efficient and practical electro/photocatalysis are proposed.

Reversible chirality inversion of an AuAgx-cysteine coordination polymer by pH change

Responsive chiral systems have attracted considerable attention, given their potential for diverse applications in biology, optoelectronics, photonics, and related fields. Here we show the reversible chirality inversion of an AuAgx-cysteine (AuAgx-cys) coordination polymer (CP) by pH changes. The polymer can be obtained by mixing HAuCl4 and AgNO3 with L-cysteine (or D-cysteine) in appropriate proportions in H2O (or other surfactant solutions). Circular dichroism (CD) spectrum is used to record the strong optical activity of the AuAg0.06-L-cys enantiomer (denoted as L0.06), which can be switched to that of the corresponding D0.06 enantiomer by alkalization (final dispersion pH > 13) and can be switched back after neutralization (final dispersion pH <8). Multiple structural changes at different pH values (≈9.6, ≈13) are observed through UV-Vis and CD spectral measurements, as well as other controlled experiments. Exploration of the CP synthesis kinetics suggests that the covalent bond formation is rapid and then the conformation of the CP materials would continuously evolve. The reaction stoichiometry investigation shows that the formation of CP materials with chirality inversion behavior requires the balancing between different coordination and polymerization processes. This study provides insights into the potential of inorganic stereochemistry in developing promising functional materials.

Recent Progress in 2D Metal-Organic Framework-Related Materials

2D metal-organic frameworks-based (2D MOF-related) materials benefit from variable topological structures, plentiful open active sites, and high specific surface areas, demonstrating promising applications in gas storage, adsorption and separation, energy conversion, and other domains. In recent years, researchers have innovatively designed multiple strategies to avoid the adverse effects of conventional methods on the synthesis of high-quality 2D MOFs. This review focuses on the latest advances in creative synthesis techniques for 2D MOF-related materials from both the top-down and bottom-up perspectives. Subsequently, the strategies are categorized and summarized for synthesizing 2D MOF-related composites and their derivatives. Finally, the current challenges are highlighted faced by 2D MOF-related materials and some targeted recommendations are put forward to inspire researchers to investigate more effective synthesis methods.

Terbium and Europium Chlorocyananilate-Based 2D Coordination Polymers

Two-dimensional layered coordination polymers based on the hetero-substituted 3-chloro-6-cyano-2,5-dihydroxybenzoquinone ligands, hereafter ClCNAn2- anilate, and LnIII ions (Tb and Eu) are reported. Compounds 1 and 2, formulated as Ln2(ClCNAn)3(DMSO)6 (LnIII = Tb, 1; Eu, 2), and their related intermediates 1' and 2', formulated as Ln2(ClCNAn)3(H2O)x·yH2O (x + y likely = 12, Ln = Tb, 1'; and Eu, 2'), were prepared by a conventional one-pot reaction (the latter) and recrystallized from DMSO solvent (the former). Polyhydrated intermediates 1' and 2' show very similar XRPD patterns, while, despite their common stoichiometry, 1 and 2 are not isostructural. Compound 1 consists of a 2D coordination framework of 3,6 topology, where [Tb(DMSO)3]III moieties are bridged by three bis-chelating ClCNAn2- ligands, forming distorted hexagons. Ultrathin nanosheets of 1 were obtained by exfoliation via the liquid-assisted sonication method and characterized by atomic force microscopy, confirming the 2D nature of 1. The crystal structure of 2, still showing the presence of 2D sheets with a "hexagonal" mesh and a common (3,6) connectivity, is based onto flat, non-corrugated slabs. Indeed, at a larger scale, the different "rectangular tiles" show clear roofing in 1, which is totally absent in 2. The magnetic behavior of 1 very likely indicates depopulation of the highest crystal-field levels, as expected for TbIII compounds.

Emerging 2D Metal Oxides: From Synthesis to Device Integration

2D metal oxides have aroused increasing attention in the field of electronics and optoelectronics due to their intriguing physical properties. In this review, an overview of recent advances on synthesis of 2D metal oxides and their electronic applications is presented. First, the tunable physical properties of 2D metal oxides that relate to the structure (various oxidation-state forms, polymorphism, etc.), crystallinity and defects (anisotropy, point defects, and grain boundary), and thickness (quantum confinement effect, interfacial effect, etc.) are discussed. Then, advanced synthesis methods for 2D metal oxides besides mechanical exfoliation are introduced and classified into solution process, vapor-phase deposition, and native oxidation on a metal source. Later, the various roles of 2D metal oxides in widespread applications, i.e., transistors, inverters, photodetectors, piezotronics, memristors, and potential applications (solar cell, spintronics, and superconducting devices) are discussed. Finally, an outlook of existing challenges and future opportunities in 2D metal oxides is proposed.

Atomically Dispersed NiNx Site with High Oxygen Electrocatalysis Performance Facilely Produced via a Surface Immobilization Strategy

Nonprecious-metal heterogeneous catalysts with atomically dispersed active sites demonstrated high activity and selectivity in different reactions, and the rational design and large-scale preparation of such catalysts are of great interest but remain a huge challenge. Current approaches usually involve extremely high-temperature and tedious procedures. Here, we demonstrated a straightforward and scalable preparation strategy. In two simple steps, the atomically dispersed Ni electrocatalyst can be synthesized in a tens grams scale with quantitative yield under mild conditions, and the active Ni sites were produced by immobilizing preorganized NiN_x complex on the substrate surface via organic thermal reactions. This catalyst exhibits excellent catalysis performances in both oxygen evolution and reduction reactions. It also exhibited tunable catalysis activity, high catalysis reproducibility, and high stability. The atomically dispersed NiN_x sites are tolerant at high Ni concentration, as the random reactions and metal nanoparticle formation that generally occurred at high temperatures were avoided. This strategy illustrated a practical and green method for the industrial manufacture of nonprecious-metal single-site catalysts with a predictable structure.

2D Metal-Organic Frameworks: Properties, Synthesis, and Applications in Electrochemical and Optical Biosensors

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials like graphene, layered double hydroxides, etc., have received increasing attention owing to their unique properties imparted by their 2D structure. The newest member in this family is based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which have been long known for their exceptional physicochemical properties-high surface area, tunable pore size, catalytic properties, etc., to list a few. 2D MOFs are promising materials for various applications as they combine the exciting properties of 2D materials and MOFs. Recently, they have been extensively used in biosensors by virtue of their enormous surface area and abundant, accessible active sites. In this review, we provide a synopsis of the recent progress in the field of 2D MOFs for sensor applications. Initially, the properties and synthesis techniques of 2D MOFs are briefly outlined with examples. Further, electrochemical and optical biosensors based on 2D MOFs are summarized, and the associated challenges are outlined.

Comparative study of sonication-assisted liquid phase exfoliation of six layered coordination polymers

Sonication-assisted liquid phase exfoliation was applied to six different layered coordination polymers (CPs) in aqueous surfactant solution. The resulting nanosheets were investigated for structural and compositional integrity and microscopic analysis gives insights into the relationship between the crystal structure of the materials and their exfoliability. Larger open pores seem to favour the production of nanosheets with higher aspect ratio of lateral size to thickness.

Advances in metal-organic framework-based membranes

Membrane-based separations have garnered considerable attention owing to their high energy efficiency, low capital cost, small carbon footprint, and continuous operation mode. As a class of highly porous crystalline materials with well-defined pore systems and rich chemical functionalities, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have demonstrated great potential as promising membrane materials over the past few years. Different types of MOF-based membranes, including polycrystalline membranes, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), and nanosheet-based membranes, have been developed for diversified applications with remarkable separation performances. In this comprehensive review, we first discuss the general classification of membranes and outline the historical development of MOF-based membranes. Subsequently, particular attention is devoted to design strategies for MOF-based membranes, along with detailed discussions on the latest advances on these membranes for various gas and liquid separation processes. Finally, challenges and future opportunities for the industrial implementation of these membranes are identified and outlined with the intent of providing insightful guidance on the design and fabrication of high-performance membranes in the future.

Visualization of Polymer–Surfactant Interaction by Dual-Emissive Gold Nanocluster Labeling

Polymer-surfactant interaction decides the performance of corresponding complexes, making its rapid and intuitionistic visualization important for enhancing the performance of products and/or processing in related fields. In this study, the fluorescence visualization of the interaction between cationic hyperbranched polyethyleneimine and anionic sodium dodecyl sulfonate surfactant was realized by dual-emissive gold nanocluster labeling. The sensing mechanism was due to the interaction-induced polymer conformation change, which regulated the molecular structure and subsequent photoradiation process of the gold nanoclusters. All three inflection points of the interactions between the polymers and the surfactants were obtained by the change in fluorescence emission ratio of the designed dual-emissive gold nanoclusters. Moreover, these inflection points are verified by the hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential measurements.

Anthraquinone-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks as a Bifunctional Photocatalyst for C-H Activation

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained attention as multifunctional catalytic platforms, allowing us to gain important insights into synergistically activating both C-H bonds and oxygen for improving oxidation. Herein, by ingenious incorporation of anthraquinone, we report an anthraquinone-based MOF as a bifunctional heterogeneous photocatalytic platform to simultaneously activate inert C(sp³)-H bonds and oxygen for C-H bond oxidation. Making use of the rigid framework with the fixation and isolation effect, both a great chemical stability and bifunctional synergistic photocatalytic effects were obtained through the immobilization of anthraquinone into a MOF. Importantly, while decorating two carboxyl groups on anthraquinone, the carbonyl groups of anthraquinone photosensitizers were not involved in coordinating the self-assembly and orderly arranged on the wall of channels that were constructed through a π-π interaction between the anthraquinone moieties in the adjacent layers, which was beneficial to form and stabilize the excited-state radical intermediates in the molecule-fenced channels, and the close proximity between the catalytic sites and the substrates to abstract a hydrogen atom from the substrate through the hydrogen atom transfer process aimed at activating the inertness of C-H bonds. Moreover, high-density-distributed anthraquinone dyes in the confined channels would activate oxygen to form singlet oxygen (¹O₂) through an energy transfer pathway, further promoting inert C(sp³)-H bond oxidation efficiency. Under visible light irradiation, this anthraquinone-based MOF was successfully applied to explore activation and oxidation of a series of substrates containing benzylic C(sp³)-H bonds in the presence of air or oxygen to produce the corresponding carbonyl products. This bifunctional photocatalytic platform based on a heterogeneous MOF provides an available catalytic avenue to develop a scalable and sustainable synthetic strategy using green and sustainable oxygen as the potent oxidant.

Monolayer Nanosheets Exfoliated from Cage-Based Cationic Metal-Organic Frameworks

The rational design and preparation of monolayer metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets remain great challenges. Recently, we found that monolayer MOF nanosheets can be facially exfoliated on a large scale from pristine two-dimensional (2D) MOFs with substantially reduced interlaminar interaction. By employing cage-like bicyclocalix[2]arene[2]triazine tri-imidazole as the building block, a family of cationic two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (2D MOFs) with steric layer were designed and prepared. The single crystal structures have clearly identified that only very weak and sparse distributed C-H···π interaction exists between adjacent layers.On the basis of density functional theory calculation, the interlayer interaction of these cage-based cationic 2D MOFs was estimated to be 1/46th of that of graphite. Due to the extremely weak interaction, these cationic 2D MOFs tend to degenerate into an "amorphous" state after being soaked in other solvents; they can be readily exfoliated into 1.1 nm thick monolayer nanosheets with a high degree of thickness homogeneity, large lateral size, and significantly enlarged surface area. This work has identified that a cage-like molecule is the ideal building block for 2D cationic MOFs and ultrathin nanosheets; It was futher confirmed that weakening the interlaminar interaction is an effective strategy for facilely producing monolayer nanosheets.

Defective Ultrathin ZnIn2 S4 for Photoreductive Deuteration of Carbonyls Using D2 O as the Deuterium Source

Deuterium (D) labeling is of great value in organic synthesis, pharmaceutical industry, and materials science. However, the state-of-the-art deuteration methods generally require noble metal catalysts, expensive deuterium sources, or harsh reaction conditions. Herein, noble metal-free and ultrathin ZnIn2 S4 (ZIS) is reported as an effective photocatalyst for visible light-driven reductive deuteration of carbonyls to produce deuterated alcohols using heavy water (D2 O) as the sole deuterium source. Defective two-dimensional ZIS nanosheets (D-ZIS) are prepared in a surfactant assisted bottom-up route exhibited much enhanced performance than the pristine ZIS counterpart. A systematic study is carried out to elucidate the contributing factors and it is found that the in situ surfactant modification enabled D-ZIS to expose more defect sites for charge carrier separation and active D-species generation, as well as high specific surface area, all of which are beneficial for the desirable deuteration reaction. This work highlights the great potential in developing low-cost semiconductor-based photocatalysts for organic deuteration in D2 O, circumventing expensive deuterium reagents and harsh conditions.

Ligand regulated metal–organic frameworks for synergistic photoredox and nickel catalysis

Synergistic photoredox and nickel catalytic cross-coupling systems have created a great attraction as a promising methodology to produce the aryl C−N bonds under mild conditions as well as extreme challenge,...

Cuprous Cluster-Based Coordination Sheets as Photocatalytic Regulators to Activate Oxygen, Benzoquinone, and Thianthrenium Salts

Cuprous clusters are well known for their important fluorescent properties and tunable redox behavior, but the coordinated protecting groups restrict their application in photocatalysis, in particular, the inner-sphere activation of substrates. By modifying fluorescent cuprous clusters with terminal iodides into two-dimensional coordination sheets, we report a photocatalytic regulator to synergistically combine electron transfer and energy transfer for the oxidative coupling of benzoquinone and terminal alkynes. Under visible light irradiation, the well-modified excited state of the cuprous clusters in the coordination sheets reduces benzoquinones to generate aoxy radicals through electron transfer and activates oxygen through energy transfer. The aoxy radicals interact with copper-coordinated phenylacetylene to form an active intermediate, which is further oxidized by the in situ formed active oxygen species and aryl ketones are obtained. The warranted potential of the excited coordination sheets enables the reductive activation of thianthrenium salts as radical precursors, facilitating radical capture and further C-N coupling via an inner-sphere activation mechanism. The new catalytic approach optimizes the redox properties and excited-state lifetime, shortens the electron transfer steps, and promotes the potential collision of a low concentration of active species in tandem catalytic cycles, thus paving a new way to develop ecologically benign, cost-effective, multipurpose, and flexible catalytic systems.

Laterally Engineering Lanthanide-MOFs Epitaxial Heterostructures for Spatially Resolved Planar 2D Photonic Barcoding

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) heterostructures with domain-controlled emissive colors have shown great potential for achieving high-throughput sensing, anti-counterfeit and information security. Here, a strategy based on steric-hindrance effect is proposed to construct lateral lanthanide-MOFs (Ln-MOFs) epitaxial heterostructures, where the channel-directed guest molecules are introduced to rebalance in-plane and out-of-plane growth rates of the Ln-MOFs microrods and eventually generate lateral MOF epitaxial heterostructures with controllable aspect ratios. A library of lateral Ln-MOFs heterostructures are acquired through a stepwise epitaxial growth procedure, from which rational modulation of each domain with specific lanthanide doping species allows for definition of photonic barcodes in a two-dimensional (2D) domain with remarkably enlarged encoding capacity. The results provide molecular-level insight into the use of modulators in governing crystallite morphology for spatially assembling multifunctional heterostructures.

Two-dimensional biomaterials: material science, biological effect and biomedical engineering applications

To date, nanotechnology has increasingly been identified as a promising and efficient means to address a number of challenges associated with public health. In the past decade, two-dimensional (2D) biomaterials, as a unique nanoplatform with planar topology, have attracted explosive interest in various fields such as biomedicine due to their unique morphology, physicochemical properties and biological effect. Motivated by the progress of graphene in biomedicine, dozens of types of ultrathin 2D biomaterials have found versatile bio-applications, including biosensing, biomedical imaging, delivery of therapeutic agents, cancer theranostics, tissue engineering, as well as others. The effective utilization of 2D biomaterials stems from the in-depth knowledge of structure-property-bioactivity-biosafety-application-performance relationships. A comprehensive summary of 2D biomaterials for biomedicine is still lacking. In this comprehensive review, we aim to concentrate on the state-of-the-art 2D biomaterials with a particular focus on their versatile biomedical applications. In particular, we discuss the design, fabrication and functionalization of 2D biomaterials used for diverse biomedical applications based on the up-to-date progress. Furthermore, the interactions between 2D biomaterials and biological systems on the spatial-temporal scale are highlighted, which will deepen the understanding of the underlying action mechanism of 2D biomaterials aiding their design with improved functionalities. Finally, taking the bench-to-bedside as a focus, we conclude this review by proposing the current crucial issues/challenges and presenting the future development directions to advance the clinical translation of these emerging 2D biomaterials.

A hafnium-based metal-organic framework for the entrapment of molybdenum hexacarbonyl and the light-responsive release of the gasotransmitter carbon monoxide

A carbon monoxide-releasing material (CORMA) has been prepared by inclusion of molybdenum hexacarbonyl in a hafnium-based metal-organic framework (MOF) with the UiO-66 architecture. Mo(CO)₆ was adsorbed from solution to give supported materials containing 6.0-6.6 wt% Mo. As confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and SEM coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, neither the crystallinity nor the morphology of the porous host was affected by the loading process. While the general shape of the N₂ physisorption isotherms (77 K) did not change significantly after encapsulation of Mo(CO)₆, the micropore volume decreased by ca. 20%. Thermogravimetric analysis of the as-prepared materials revealed a weight loss step around 160 °C associated with the decomposition of Mo(CO)₆ to subcarbonyl species. Confirmation for the presence of encapsulated Mo(CO)₆ complexes was provided by FT-IR and ¹³C{¹H} cross-polarization magic-angle spinning NMR spectroscopies. To test the capability of these materials to behave as CORMAs and transfer CO to heme proteins, the standard myoglobin (Mb) assay was used. While stable in the dark, photoactivation with low-power UV light (365 nm) liberated CO from the encapsulated hexacarbonyl molecules in Mo(6.0)/UiO-66(Hf), leading to a maximum amount of 0.26 mmol CO released per gram of material. Under the simulated physiological conditions of the Mb assay (37 °C, pH 7.4 buffer), minimal leaching of molybdenum occurred, PXRD showed only slight amorphization, and FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the high chemical stability of the MOF host.

ROS-generating rare-earth coordination networks for photodynamic inactivation of Candida albicans

Water-ethanol suspensions of 2D coordination network (CN) based on rare earth elements and mixed ligands were evaluated as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generators under UV light irradiation, in contact with a biomimetic substrate (tryptophan) or an O2(1Δg) quencher (1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran; 1,3-DPBF). A combination of bottom-up and top-down strategies was implemented in order to obtain nano-sized CN particles and the subsequent colloidal suspensions were also tested towards photodynamic inactivation of Candida albicans (C. albicans). SEM, TEM, FTIR, and XRD techniques were applied to characterize the solids and ICP-AES was employed to determine the metal content of the colloidal suspensions. Promising results were found indicating that the presence of Tb3+ allows an intersystem crossing suitable for singlet oxygen generation, resulting in the antifungal activity of C. albicans culture upon UV-irradiation.

Biomimetic two-dimensional nanozymes: synthesis, hybridization, functional tailoring, and biosensor applications

Biological enzymes play important roles in mediating the biological reactions in vitro and in vivo due to their high catalytic activity, strong bioactivity, and high specificity; however, they have also some disadvantages such as high cost, low environmental stability, weak reusability, and difficult production. To overcome these shortcomings, functional nanomaterials including metallic nanoparticles, single atoms, metal oxides, alloys, and others have been utilized as nanozymes to mimic the properties and functions of natural enzymes. Due to the development of the synthesis and applications of two-dimensional (2D) materials, 2D nanomaterials have shown high potential to be used as novel nanozymes in biosensing, bioimaging, therapy, logic gates, and environmental remediation due to their unique physical, chemical, biological, and electronic properties. In this work, we summarize recent advances in the preparation and functionalization, as well as biosensor and immunoassay applications of various 2D material-based nanozymes. To achieve this aim, first we demonstrate the preparation strategies of 2D nanozymes such as chemical reduction, templated synthesis, chemical exfoliation, calcination, electrochemical deposition, hydrothermal synthesis, and many others. Meanwhile, the structure and properties of the 2D nanozymes prepared by conjugating 2D materials with nanoparticles, metal oxides, biomolecules, polymers, ions, and 2D heteromaterials are introduced and discussed in detail. Then, the applications of the prepared 2D nanozymes in colorimetric, electrochemical, fluorescent, and electrochemiluminescent sensors are demonstrated.

2D metal-organic framework-based materials for electrocatalytic, photocatalytic and thermocatalytic applications

Ultrathin two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (2D MOFs) have recently attracted extensive interest in various catalytic fields (e.g., electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, thermocatalysis) due to their ultrathin thickness, large surface area, abundant accessible unsaturated active sites and tunable surface properties. Besides tuning the intrinsic properties of pristine 2D MOFs by changing the metal nodes and organic ligands, one of the hot research trends is to develop 2D MOF hybrids and 2D MOF-derived materials with higher stability and conductivity in order to further increase their activity and durability. Here, the synthesis of 2D MOF nanosheets is briefly summarized and discussed. More attention is focused on summaries and discussions about the applications of these 2D MOFs, their hybrids and their derived materials as electrocatalysts, photocatalysts and thermocatalysts. The superior properties and catalytic performance of these 2D MOF-based catalysts compared to their 3D MOF counterparts in electrocatalysis, photocatalysis and thermocatalysis are highlighted. The enhanced activities of 2D MOFs, their hybrids and derivatives come from abundant accessible active sites, a high density of unsaturated metal nodes, ultrathin thickness, and tunable microenvironments around the MOFs. Views regarding current and future challenges in the field, and new advances in science and technology to meet these challenges, are also presented. Finally, conclusions and outlooks in this field are provided.

Two-dimensional conjugated metal–organic frameworks (2D c-MOFs): chemistry and function for MOFtronics

Two-dimensional conjugated MOFs are emerging for multifunctional electronic devices that brings us “MOFtronics”, such as (opto)electronics, spintronics, energy devices.

Metal-Organic Layers for Electrocatalysis and Photocatalysis

Metal-organic layers (MOLs) are two-dimensional analogues of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with a high aspect ratio and thickness down to a monolayer. Active sites on MOLs are more accessible than those on MOFs thanks to the two-dimensional feature of MOLs, which allows easier chemical modification around the catalytic center. MOLs can also be assembled with other functional materials through surface anchoring sites that can facilitate charge/energy transport through the hybrid material. MOLs are thus quite suitable for interfacial catalysis like electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. In this outlook, we focus on representative progress of constructing unique interfacial sites on MOLs with designer paths for charge separation and energy transfer, as well as cooperative cavities for superior substrate adsorption and activation. We also discuss challenges and potentials in the future development of MOL catalysts and catalysts beyond MOLs.

Recent development of two-dimensional metal-organic framework derived electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen electrocatalysis

Developing efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts with unique nanostructures is of great significance for improved electrocatalytic reactions, including the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted recent attention because of their unique dimension-related properties, such as ultrathin thickness, large specific surface area, and abundant accessible active sites that can act as good precursors for the derivation of a variety of nanocomposites as active materials in electrocatalysis and energy-related devices. In this review, we present recent developments in 2D MOF-derived nanomaterials for hydrogen and oxygen reactions in overall water-splitting and rechargeable Zn-air batteries. The advantages of various synthetic strategies are summarized and discussed in detail. Finally, we discuss the main challenges and future perspectives of the development of 2D MOF-derived electrocatalysts.

Fabrication of Crystalline Microporous Membrane from 2D MOF Nanosheets for Gas Separation

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based membranes have shown great potentials as applications in gas separation. In this work, a uniform membrane based on 2D MOF Ni₃ (HITP)₂ (HITP=2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaaminotriphenylene) was fabricated on ordered macroporous AAO via the filtration method. To fabricate the membrane, we obtained the Ni₃ (HITP)₂ nanosheets as building blocks via a soft-physical exfoliation method successfully that were confirmed by AFM and TEM. We also studied the H₂ , CO₂ and N₂ adsorption isotherms of Ni₃ (HITP)₂ powder at room temperature, which shows Ni₃ (HITP)₂ has high heats of adsorption for CO₂ and high selectivity of CO₂ over N₂ . Gas permeation tests indicate that the Ni₃ (HITP)₂ membrane shows high permeance and selectivity of CO₂ over N₂ , as well as good selectivity of H₂ over N₂ . The ideal separation factors of CO₂ /N₂ and H₂ /N₂ from sing-gas permeances are 13.6 and 7.8 respectively, with CO₂ permeance of 3.15×10^-6  mol⋅m^-2 ⋅s^-1 ⋅Pa^-1 . The membrane also showed good stability, durability and reproducibility, which are of potential interest for practical applications in the CO₂ separations.

Exfoliation of 2D Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications

The fascinating properties of single-layer graphene isolated by mechanical exfoliation have inspired extensive research efforts toward two-dimensional (2D) materials. Layered compounds serve as precursors for atomically thin 2D materials (briefly, 2D nanomaterials) owing to their strong intraplane chemical bonding but weak interplane van der Waals interactions. There are newly emerging 2D materials beyond graphene, and it is becoming increasingly important to develop cost-effective, scalable methods for producing 2D nanomaterials with controlled microstructures and properties. The variety of developed synthetic techniques can be categorized into two classes: bottom-up and top-down approaches. Of top-down approaches, the exfoliation of bulk 2D materials into single or few layers is the most common. This review highlights chemical and physical exfoliation methods that allow for the production of 2D nanomaterials in large quantities. In addition, remarkable examples of utilizing exfoliated 2D nanomaterials in energy and environmental applications are introduced.

Metal-Organic Framework Hexagonal Nanoplates: Bottom-up Synthesis, Topotactic Transformation, and Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Rational design and bottom-up synthesis based on the structural topology is a promising way to obtain two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (2D MOFs) in well-defined geometric morphology. Herein, a topology-guided bottom-up synthesis of a novel hexagonal 2D MOF nanoplate is realized. The hexagonal channels constructed via the distorted (3,4)-connected Ni₂(BDC)₂(DABCO) (BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, DABCO = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) framework serve as the template for the specifically designed morphology. Under the inhibition and modulation of pyridine through a substitution-suppression process, the morphology can be modified from hexagonal nanorods to nanodisks and to nanoplates with controllable thickness tuned by the dosage of pyridine. Subsequent pyrolysis treatment converts the nanoplates into a N-doped Ni@carbon electrocatalyst, which exhibits a small overpotential as low as 307 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm^-2 in the oxygen evolution reaction.

Two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks and their derivatives for electrochemical energy storage and electrocatalysis

Two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives with excellent dimension-related properties, e.g. high surface areas, abundantly accessible metal nodes, and tailorable structures, have attracted intensive attention as energy storage materials and electrocatalysts. A major challenge on the road toward the commercialization of 2D MOFs and their derivatives is to achieve the facile and controllable synthesis of 2D MOFs with high quality and at low cost. Significant developments have been made in the synthesis and applications of 2D MOFs and their derivatives in recent years. In this review, we first discuss the state-of-the-art synthetic strategies (including both top-down and bottom-up approaches) for 2D MOFs. Subsequently, we review the most recent application progress of 2D MOFs and their derivatives in the fields of electrochemical energy storage (e.g., batteries and supercapacitors) and electrocatalysis (of classical reactions such as the HER, OER, ORR, and CO2RR). Finally, the challenges and promising strategies for the synthesis and applications of 2D MOFs and their derivatives are addressed for future development.

Flange union at nanoscale: fabrication and formation mechanism

Coordination polymer superstructures connected by a flange union with a good geometry were fabricated. Assembly, disassembly and reassembly process happened during the formation.