Self-condensation-assisted chemical vapour deposition growth of atomically two-dimensional MOF single-crystals.

Luo, Lingxin; Hou, Lingxiang; Cui, Xueping; Zhan, Pengxin; He, Ping; Dai, Chuying; Li, Ruian; Dong, Jichen et al. · Nat Commun · 2024

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have a wide variety of applications in molecular separation and other emerging technologies, including atomically thin electronics. However, due to the inherent fragility and strong interlayer interactions, high-quality MOF crystals of atomic thickness, especially isolated MOF crystal monolayers, have not been easy to prepare. Here, we report the self-condensation-assisted chemical vapour deposition growth of atomically thin MOF single-crystals, yielding monolayer single-crystals of poly[Fe(benzimidazole)<sub>2</sub>] up to 62 μm in grain sizes. By using transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution atomic force microscopy, high crystallinity and atomic-scale single-crystal structure are verified in the atomically MOF flakes. Moreover, integrating such MOFs with MoS<sub>2</sub> to construct ultrathin van der Waals heterostructures is achieved by direct growth of atomically MOF single-crystals onto monolayer MoS<sub>2</sub>, and enables a highly selective ammonia sensing. These demonstrations signify the great potential of the method in facilitating the development of the fabrication and application of atomically thin MOF crystals.