(673g) Synthesis of 2D MOF Nanosheets with Large Aspect Ratio through Control over Hydrogen Bond Formation for Membrane Separation

2D Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have tremendous application prospect in membrane gas separation. MOF nanosheets with high aspect ratio have potential to overcome the compatibility issue with polymer in the mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) and to provide a much better permeability compared with other filler morphologies. To fabricate the high-performance MMMs, the large-scale synthesis of ultrathin 2D MOF nanosheets is a critical step, which can facilitate their property investigation and industrial applications. In this presentation, we will discuss the role of hydrogen bond in controlling the dimensions of synthesized MOF nanosheets. We will present a bi-phase synthesis method, which is capable of producing mBDC (m=Zn and Cu) 2D MOFs at large scales. The tightly coupled MOF structure is effectively prohibited and this synthesis route can easily produce high quality nanosheets in either crystal powder or depositing onto various substrates for separation applications.